First home BG test

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by NancyF, Feb 14, 2020.

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  1. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    I went out yesterday and bought a glucometer, strips, lancets, treats...I'm sure you all know the drill. I was a very very bad hooman and lied to the pharmacist, saying it was for me. That way, with the purchase of 100 strips, I got the glucometer free. Anything for my Georgie!

    This morning I did his first test since the vet called and said she had emergency today and would be unable to do his curve test until Monday. Argh! But it went so well! I may have poked a bit too hard with the lancet, definitely got a dirty look for it. But the blood beaded right up and it was ezpz from there. A couple of treats and some kisses on Georgie's nose, and I think I'm forgiven. This time, anyways. His AMPS was at 14.7. Not the best, but better than I had hoped :)
     
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  2. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    That was great considering only a few weeks since diagnos. A Congrats to a first and succesful home bg test. Now you are more in charge of it all.

    Normal bg numbers, and when insulin, is between 4.5 - 6.5.
    The renal threshold is at 13. Just so you know for reference.

    The insulin lowers the bg and when the insulin wears off the bg will rise again.

    When you don't have to work night shifts and can be home you can also do your own bg curve at home.
     
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  3. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    How often do I test to do a curve? I'm off tonight and tomorrow and would prefer that Georgie have one asap rather than wait
     
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  4. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    We all do our best with our curves. A good one, if stamina enough and cat allows it, covers an 12 hours insulin cycle.

    AM pre-shot

    + 2 hours after insulin

    + 4 hours after insulin

    + 6 hours after

    + 8 hours after

    + 10 hours after

    + 12 hours PM pre-shot
     
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  5. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    Oof. Every 2 hours. Georgie is going to hate me. But I'll have to do it. Thank you so much
     
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  6. Juls and Billy

    Juls and Billy Member

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    It would be awesome if you did his curve yourself. Stress raises blood sugar and cats often won't eat while at the vet, so a curve you do at home will be more accurate. Georgie might not be as upset as you think, and it's great home testing practice. Don't forget you can use both ears, so one won't get too sore, and keep the low carb treats coming!
     
  7. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    I really want to do it at home so we're both less stressed. And he's such a sweet soul, his "cat candy" should buy me some leeway lol

    How often should a curve test be done?
     
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  8. Juls and Billy

    Juls and Billy Member

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    I'm not an expert, but I have seen some people that do one a week, and some that do one every couple of weeks.
     
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  9. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    Nancy, watch so he doesn't become soar. The + 6 is the very important one, in theory the insulin should have lowered the bg to it's lowest point then but every cat is unique so sometimes there is a fast early steep bg drop, and sometimes it comes later.
    If Georgie thinks it becomes too much testing so soon for him, tell him it's okay.
     
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  10. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    That's really helpful. So much to learn. Thank you. I would be so lost without all the wonderful people on this forum. I honestly appreciate the support system I've found here
     
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  11. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    Hmm good point and I'm still inexperienced at the poking. Could I start with a test every 3 hours for his first one?
     
  12. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    Of course. But try get the + 6.
     
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  13. Juls and Billy

    Juls and Billy Member

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    This forum is a life saver, but none of the great information and support does anything without you! Georgie is in good hands. You are awesome for taking such good care of him!
     
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  14. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    I was thinking +3, +6, +9, and then at at +12?
     
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  15. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    That is a perfect good bg curve too.
     
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  16. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    Thank you. I'm trying. I never realized there was so much to learn! But Georgie is my baby and I will take care of him for as long as he's with me
     
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  17. SullivansDad

    SullivansDad Member

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    You might be surprised with how easy the mid-day tests are. My cat is EXTREMELY difficult to pin down for his AM and PM tests, but that's because he wants to EAT and not be held still for even a second. Anything in between those times? He could not care less. :)
     
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  18. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    Thank you. I don't want to stress him too much but I really want to make sure I'm doing the right thing for him
     
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  19. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    That's sounds like Georgie. He doesn't want his insulin, he wants his food! He usually gives up after a few minutes once he realizes he won't get food until after his insulin. Sneaky bugger lol
     
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  20. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    I and my Simba did a lot of testing in the beginning to find out when his insulin's onset time was and also what onset time his food had. We ended up with a pretty good image, then I laxed on that and we kept track of the insulin and bg's to avoid hypos.

    Take your and Georgie's time. It will work out.
     
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  21. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    Just checking in, Nancy, with how your first bg testing and bg curve tests are going. How is Georgie taking it so far? Give him hugs from me, tell him he is a hero :bighug:
     
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  22. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    Georgie vomited two hours after his insulin, so I took a reading and his BG was down. He loves his treats, but hasn't much appetite for his wet food. But he's alert and cuddly, not hiding away, so I'm wondering if it's not a reaction to his insulin. But otherwise, he's taking the poking fairly well
     
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  23. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    I wonder now, if Georgie feels anxiety, worried, and that's why he vomits.
     
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  24. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    Oh, I hadn't thought of that. Georgie has always been a sensitive soul and I've been so stressed that he could be feeling it too
     
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  25. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    I GOT A BLUE NUMBER!

    I just did Georgie's +6 test and the reading came back 6.9 :) :) :)
     
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  26. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    Woopie! What A Hero Georgie is! 6.9 at +6.
     
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  27. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    I'm just so happy
     
  28. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Good job Nancy! Good job Georgie! A blue 6!!!!! Way to go!

    OTJ day 6 blue 6.png

    Caninsulin often has a shorter duration in cats. If possible, and Georgie allows you to test, try to get a +10 and a +11. Those tests later in the 12 hour dosing cycle can tell us a lot.

    NOT today. Some other time, when you aren't already poking him so much for the curve tests. NOT today. Another time.
     
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  29. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    Thank you. I will do that. I'll be sure to test again before his pm shot though and I'll set an alarm for another +6 test.
     
  30. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    Good early morning. How did the entire bg curve go?
     
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  31. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    So far so good. Waiting for the next +6 test. Georgie has been so good about it
     
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  32. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    This is really weird. I can see some numbers on your SS but only on the world tab.

    Sending out a tag for @Chris & China (GA) (who has a stomach bug) and @Marje and Gracie (who is dealing with a family emergency) to see if either of them can fix the SS and see what the problem is.

    You can also send them a PM (start a conversation) asking them for help.

    How to Start a Conversation with another member (or members)
    If you want to have a private conversation with another member (or members), you can do it two ways:

    Inbox menu

    1. Hover over the Inbox menu at the top right of any page. Click the link that says “Start a Conversation”.
    2. Add participants by typing their usernames – matching names will auto-populate as you type.
    3. Create a conversation title (subject line) and your message. You’ll have access to the same tools as you have when creating posts. You can give conversation participants the ability to invite others, if that’s something you want (will be unchecked by default).
    From a thread
    1. Click on a user’s name within any thread.
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    You can change the settings for who can start a Conversation with you by going to your profile and then "Privacy" and scroll down to the "People Who May..." section.
     
  33. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    You might also want to change the title on your post to say something like "Problem with SS Need Help. First curve"
    and put the ? prefix on your post.

    Chris and Marje are the only 2 people I know that fix spreadsheets.

    If you are entering information on the "world" tab, the US tab should auto-populate.
     
  34. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    The spreadsheet has been really weird. I actually have had to empty the text box before I can enter any values. I'm not doing this on a computer but on an android phone
     
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  35. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

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    You’ve somehow deleted all the formatting on the US SS and that’s why there are no values there. If you can PM me, I can get editing rights and fix it. It’s an easy fix for me to do even remotely.
     
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  36. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    That would be awesome! How do I do that?
     
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  37. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    You can also send them a PM (start a conversation) asking them for help.

    How to Start a Conversation with another member (or members)
    If you want to have a private conversation with another member (or members), you can do it two ways:

    Inbox menu

    1. Hover over the Inbox menu at the top right of any page. Click the link that says “Start a Conversation”.
    2. Add participants by typing their usernames – matching names will auto-populate as you type.
    3. Create a conversation title (subject line) and your message. You’ll have access to the same tools as you have when creating posts. You can give conversation participants the ability to invite others, if that’s something you want (will be unchecked by default).
    From a thread
    1. Click on a user’s name within any thread.
    2. On the resulting profile pop-up, click on “Start a Conversation”.
    To follow existing conversations, check your Inbox.

    You can change the settings for who can start a Conversation with you by going to your profile and then "Privacy" and scroll down to the "People Who May..." section.
     
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  38. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    Thank you :)
     
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  39. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

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    Sorry...glad Deb saw that and sent you directions. I got your PM.
     
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  40. NancyF

    NancyF Member

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    No idea what I did to the spreadsheet, but thankfully it's fixed :)
     
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  41. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    You only need to enter your test data on the "world" tab. The US tab will auto-populate.
    Marje fixed it for you. Whatever it was.

    Thanks Marje!!
     
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