Hypo and hyper warning signs. No BG monitor for a few days.

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Amy Dobson

Amy Dobson

Member Since 2015
Hi everyone,
My newly diagnosed 13 year old boy is just back from hospital after an episode of DKA. There were no blood ketones this morning, so he was allowed to come home.
However I'm very nervous as I don't have a monitor to track him whilst he bounces.
He's on 1.5U caninsulin BD.
Please could people tell me any hypo or hyper symptoms to really watch out for? He's asleep now and at Nadal point, so of course I'm concerned.. and I want him to rest and not wake him because he absolutely hated being in hospital and needs to relax.
Many thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Hi Amy,

Here is some info on low blood glucose symptoms from the 'How to treat hypos' sticky (the link to the page follows this extract):

SYMPTOMS
Some cats may have NO symptoms whatsoever, but here are the most common ones:

MILD HYPOGLYCEMIA
Sudden ravenous hunger
Shivering
Weak or lethargic

MODERATE HYPOGLYCEMIA
Disorientation
Trouble with vision... bumps into furniture
Poor coordination, such as staggering, walking in circles or acting drunk
Changes in head or neck movements
Restlessness
Urgent meowing
Behavioral changes, such as aggressiveness

SEVERE HYPOGLYCEMIA
Convulsions or seizures
Unconsciousness
How to treat HYPOS - THEY CAN KILL! Print this Out!!

In addition to the above other symptoms include dilated pupils, and cats either going into cupboards or other small spaces, or sitting staring into the corner of a room.

Be aware that the symptoms don't always follow a progression from mild to severe: Some cats show symptoms early on, some when the hypo is moderately advanced, and some only show symptoms when the hypo is severe.
For example, some folks here have noticed that their cat suddenly gets really hungry (mild). My cat has had 3 hypos and his symptoms have included dilated pupils, disorientation (swatting at something that wasn't there), staggering and falling over, and aggression (moderate). And another member here had a cat who was fine one moment (sitting with her on the sofa watching TV) and then it had a seizure (severe).

I hope the above doesn't alarm you too much. Many, many cats never suffer from hypo.

In terms of hyper symptoms, well, all newly diagnosed diabetics are hyperglycemic.
The commonest symptoms are the symptoms of diabetes itself; drinking and peeing a lot (and possibly UTI's), poor coat condition and dandruff, and weight loss. Some cats seem to feel unwell at high numbers. But many cats get used to the high blood glucose levels (which can sometimes be problematic when trying to get their blood glucose levels down again!)
Ketones can be a major concern at high numbers (and even sometimes at not so high numbers). Some cats seem to be ketone-prone, and if this is the case it is important to monitor the cat's urine for ketones (or even get a blood ketone monitor). Ketones are particularly problematic if the cat is off it's food and unwell, as DKA is more likely to develop.

Ketodiastix test strips test for both ketones and glucose. Regarding glucose, the test strips will only show you how much glucose has spilled into the urine since the cat last had a pee, but, in the absence of other information this may still be useful to know.

Here's a link to info on testing a cat's urine using Ketodiastix:
http://www.sugarpet.net/urine.html

Eliz
 
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Me again!

Because Murphy is on Caninsulin you may see the lowest number of the cycle at, typically, around 4.5 to 5 hours after the insulin shot. But it may be earlier or a bit later than that. ('Every Cat Is Different')

Caninsulin can drop the blood glucose quite fast in some cats, so it can be helpful to feed a snack/mini-meal about an hour to an hour and a half after the insulin shot. This food can help to slow the blood glucose drop.
When you get your glucose meter you'll be able to see how the insulin is working in Murphy's body, and you will feel much more comfortable about the whole thing. :)

You could start to get him used to the idea of testing by holding or massaging one of his ears for a few seconds and then rewarding him with a treat. And you could pop him up onto a table top or desk first (wherever you're most likely to do your testing initially) to begin to establish a routine.
The testing should not hurt Murphy at all, but, like anything new, it might take a few goes to get the hang of the process. Many cats actually come to look forward to it if they are rewarded with treats. My own cat comes running now when I rattle the test strip vial, or sometimes he will come and jump on my desk to remind me that it's time for a test! :cat:

Here are some links that you may find helpful. The first is from the Sugarpet site and has good info and pics about home blood testing (I learned to test from this page). The second link is to the FDMB compilation page of hometesting info, tips and tricks, and example videos.
http://www.sugarpet.net/bloodtst.html
Hometesting Links and Tips

Eliz
 
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You can use a human glucometer and the values in my signature link Glucometer Notes to help keep him safe.
 
They just said some time this week. Feeling so sick. I don't want him to go hypo, but I also don't want him to have another case of DKA.. He can't bear being in hospital, he's so so miserable going in. Heart shattering.
Ill call the vet tomorrow to see if it's in.
 
Stop worrying and take action. Get a human glucometer and use that. They work just fine. Tons of folks here use them.
 
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Definitely will do, but not a great deal I can do as it's 1am here.. Ill be getting one asap. Just need to ride this night a bit better.
 
Hi Amy,

I hope you did manage to get some good sleep, and hope you're feeling less anxious this morning. (Here's a reassuring hug for you :bighug: )

Just FYI, I don't know if you're aware of this but the main cost involved in testing is that of the test strips.
Alphatrak test strips are expensive, usually listed online for between £40 - £50 for 50 strips, (although some members here have managed to find them cheaper). So, at those prices, each test would cost between 80p and £1.
Human meter test strips are much cheaper. For example, the Accu-check Aviva strips are currently just under £30 for 50 strips at Boots and Lloyds; cheaper if you shop around online, and cheaper still if you buy on Ebay (they're usually available for £15 or less). So, at those prices, each test could cost between 30p and 60p (and less if you can spot a good deal on Ebay).

The cost per test may not seem that much, but if you find yourself on a day where you're doing a lot of tests the cost can soon mount up.

I'm only mentioning this in case cost is a consideration for you (as it is for many of us).

Eliz
 
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Ahhh Eliza! I seem to spend most of my time on Facebook..!
Cost is definitely a consideration, but I went with the alphatrak in the end - as you now know!
About to post another question..
 
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