4/5 PMPS 359 +2 307 +3 253 +5 187/124/84 Libre error +5.5 relion 251

[David & Mochi]

Idk what to do. It's 1st day 2nd cycle, i noticed her bg on the libre kept dropping and dropping, then after it got down to 84 said sensor error. I had to do the 1st ear prick but she isn't used to it all and I prob scared her, but now she won't let me take another sample to test again. I fed snacks just in case and I'm nervous. I'm trying to trust the spot test, I just can't get another sample from her and she pulls her paws too and whines (spot was on ear but she pulls her ears away and turns her head so I tried her paw pad). I don't want to pin her and force her and traumatize her and make it too hard to do in the future, but now I don't have access to the libre in the beginning. She seems normal but I'm afraid to go to bed. Update 2:06 libre finally kicked back on saying 355. I think it just lost connection and kept dropping but I don't know for sure.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Idk what to do. It's 1st day 2nd cycle, i noticed her bg on the libre kept dropping and dropping, then after it got down to 84 said sensor error. I had to do the 1st ear prick but she isn't used to it all and I prob scared her, but now she won't let me take another sample to test again. I fed snacks just in case and I'm nervous. I'm trying to trust the spot test, I just can't get another sample from her and she pulls her paws too and whines (spot was on ear but she pulls her ears away and turns her head so I tried her paw pad). I don't want to pin her and force her and traumatize her and make it too hard to do in the future, but now I don't have access to the libre in the beginning. She seems normal but I'm afraid to go to bed. Update 2:06 libre finally kicked back on saying 355. I think it just lost connection and kept dropping but I don't know for sure.

I replied on main

 

[David & Mochi]

Original thread here

Found this by searching after I was able to get a relion check and think this is what gave me a mini heart attack 1st night.
"False low readings on a FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor at night are often caused by pressure-induced sensor errors, where sleeping on the sensor compresses the area and reduces fluid volume, leading to inaccurate readings."

 

[Helen + Noogi]

Hi and welcome to the Lantus group (btw can't find a name on your profile - please add one, if you are comfortable to do so)
Mochi is such a beautiful girl!

We all remember and understand the panic and nervousness you describe in your post - first time shooting, first time taking BG. You're in the right place for advise and support! Ask any question! There is a lot of information in the sticky notes, and if you are anything like me you will need to read and reread them many times.
Here is the main index of FAQs: https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/index-health-links-faqs.194624/
And here is the tips on home-testing: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

There is steep learning curve with the ear pricks. Often a struggle in the beginning. Give Mochi lots of pets beforehand and a treat after, even if not successful. Perhaps a treat beforehand too! Definitely warm the ear up (rice in a sock in the microwave - check it's not too hot - or a cloth under the hot tap and in a plastic bag, held against the ear for 10-15 seconds). Make sure the lancet or pricking pen is on a low/mid setting to start. There is a sweet spot between the vein and the edge of the ear that is your best bet. A small amount of Vaseline on that sweet spot will make the blood bead so its easier to get on the strip. One ear is likely to be better than the other. I know it's hard, but the calmer you are the calmer she will be. There is a technique. You very likely will learn how to do it, and it will become entirely routine. Sometimes you will waste many strips! That said, there are one or two cats who simply will not tolerate it, so if you try and try and can't get her to co-operate you are not alone.

There are lot of people on here who use Libre meters who will answer your questions on how they work, and what to do if they glitch.
Just seen your new message on how they can give false low readings if the cat lies on them. Glad you found that important information!

Good luck on this journey! Nice to see Mochi dip into yellow numbers on her first shots. Good start

 

[David & Mochi]

Hi and welcome to the Lantus group (btw can't find a name on your profile - please add one, if you are comfortable to do so)
Mochi is such a beautiful girl!

We all remember and understand the panic and nervousness you describe in your post - first time shooting, first time taking BG. You're in the right place for advise and support! Ask any question! There is a lot of information in the sticky notes, and if you are anything like me you will need to read and reread them many times.
Here is the main index of FAQs: https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/index-health-links-faqs.194624/
And here is the tips on home-testing: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

There is steep learning curve with the ear pricks. Often a struggle in the beginning. Give Mochi lots of pets beforehand and a treat after, even if not successful. Perhaps a treat beforehand too! Definitely warm the ear up (rice in a sock in the microwave - check it's not too hot - or a cloth under the hot tap and in a plastic bag, held against the ear for 10-15 seconds). Make sure the lancet or pricking pen is on a low/mid setting to start. There is a sweet spot between the vein and the edge of the ear that is your best bet. A small amount of Vaseline on that sweet spot will make the blood bead so its easier to get on the strip. One ear is likely to be better than the other. I know it's hard, but the calmer you are the calmer she will be. There is a technique. You very likely will learn how to do it, and it will become entirely routine. Sometimes you will waste many strips! That said, there are one or two cats who simply will not tolerate it, so if you try and try and can't get her to co-operate you are not alone.

There are lot of people on here who use Libre meters who will answer your questions on how they work, and what to do if they glitch.
Just seen your new message on how they can give false low readings if the cat lies on them. Glad you found that important information!

Good luck on this journey! Nice to see Mochi dip into yellow numbers on her first shots. Good start

Thank you, name is David, cant figure out how to add it or adjust profile name to reflect. It was very scary seeing the meter go from 200+ to 84 in a few minutes and trying to spot test without having practiced it yet was hard on her I'm sure. I feel like I've read and watched everything so many times but it will take practice, just wanted to have that practice not in a situation that felt like an emergency . At the very least now that I know about the potential error, I don't have to panic and can take my time with her with the blood testing tomorrow.

 

[David & Mochi]

Hi and welcome to the Lantus group (btw can't find a name on your profile - please add one, if you are comfortable to do so)
Mochi is such a beautiful girl!

We all remember and understand the panic and nervousness you describe in your post - first time shooting, first time taking BG. You're in the right place for advise and support! Ask any question! There is a lot of information in the sticky notes, and if you are anything like me you will need to read and reread them many times.
Here is the main index of FAQs: https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/index-health-links-faqs.194624/
And here is the tips on home-testing: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

There is steep learning curve with the ear pricks. Often a struggle in the beginning. Give Mochi lots of pets beforehand and a treat after, even if not successful. Perhaps a treat beforehand too! Definitely warm the ear up (rice in a sock in the microwave - check it's not too hot - or a cloth under the hot tap and in a plastic bag, held against the ear for 10-15 seconds). Make sure the lancet or pricking pen is on a low/mid setting to start. There is a sweet spot between the vein and the edge of the ear that is your best bet. A small amount of Vaseline on that sweet spot will make the blood bead so its easier to get on the strip. One ear is likely to be better than the other. I know it's hard, but the calmer you are the calmer she will be. There is a technique. You very likely will learn how to do it, and it will become entirely routine. Sometimes you will waste many strips! That said, there are one or two cats who simply will not tolerate it, so if you try and try and can't get her to co-operate you are not alone.

There are lot of people on here who use Libre meters who will answer your questions on how they work, and what to do if they glitch.
Just seen your new message on how they can give false low readings if the cat lies on them. Glad you found that important information!

Good luck on this journey! Nice to see Mochi dip into yellow numbers on her first shots. Good start

I also don't know how accurate those yellow numbers are now if she was sleeping on the sensor and affecting the readings. When I thought her bg was crashing I was using the lancet by hand and having a real hard time holding her ear taught and getting the poke in and she was stressed because I thought it was an emergency. I will pick up a lancing pen and see if that makes it easier for me vs just holding the lancet in my hand like I had read until she is more used to and hopefully that works better.

 

[Helen + Noogi]

Thank you, name is David, cant figure out how to add it or adjust profile name to reflect.

Right at the top right on the navy stripe you will see your username, next to Inbox and Alerts. You can edit your profile and signature there.

It was very scary seeing the meter go from 200+ to 84 in a few minutes and trying to spot test without having practiced it yet was hard on her I'm sure.

Completely understand, David. It's one thing to read about it, it's another to be doing it! And middle-of-the-night panic makes it so much worse

I understand why the sudden drop scared you. Couple of things to remember though:
1. Lantus does sometimes cause big drops from higher numbers to lower numbers. But the drops do even out. You're not likely to get the same sort of dramatic drop from medium numbers to very low numbers. A drop of a 100 points from 280 to 180 for example is not at all unusual, even 180 to 80. But you are unlikely to see a drop of 100 points from 130 to 30. They can be alarming at first, but you will get used to big swings in the higher numbers.
2. The danger zone begins at 50 (the lime greens). So a number in the 80s is not a cause for panic. That said, as you are new to this you will want to watch her when she gets to dark greens at first. And monitor closely from 65. Ask for advise here if you are unsure or worried.
However, in time, you will be wanting to spend time in the dark green numbers as these are pancreas healing numbers. Getting Mochi into this zone is your *long term* goal, as spending time here will give her her best chance of remission. Just keep this in your back of your mind for now though. As she is currently in the pinks and yellows you want to gently bring her down into the blue numbers first. You are in the gathering data phase now. You're looking at she reacts to shots, how her cycle goes - when does she start dipping, how low she goes and typically how far into the cycle, is she typically lower in the day or the night - how she responds to food, etc. etc. And you are building your skill set too - how to give injections, how to home test, how to manage your anxiety. You will then follow the protocol by adjusting dose up or down, depending on how she responds to the insulin. Remember it is a hormone which needs to get balanced in her body, which sometimes takes some time.
3. Do make sure you are prepared for a hypoglycemic episode. You will feel so better if you know you have everything ready and waiting. You've probably read the sticky notes on this. If you haven't done so yet make up your kit this weekend

Edited to add: Just wanted to mention that I am not super-qualified to advise, and would welcome a more experienced member to confirm, correct or add nuance to what I have said above (@Angela & Cleo or @Wendy&Neko maybe?). Just speaking from my own experience and what I have picked up and needed to learn on my own journey with FD!

 

[Helen + Noogi]

I also don't know how accurate those yellow numbers are now if she was sleeping on the sensor and affecting the readings. When I thought her bg was crashing I was using the lancet by hand and having a real hard time holding her ear taught and getting the poke in and she was stressed because I thought it was an emergency. I will pick up a lancing pen and see if that makes it easier for me vs just holding the lancet in my hand like I had read until she is more used to and hopefully that works better.

As far as I know the Libre is fine on higher numbers, but can be inaccurate on lower numbers - that is, show them to be lower than readings from a handheld meter. That's why it would be great if you can learn to use one so you can cross check. Lots of folks here use a handheld lancet, I prefer the pen. I put a cottonwool ball behind the ear to hold in place and for support. Less chance of kitty moving ear away.

 

[Tim & Pookey]

So you got 81 on the Libre, and 251 on the ReliOn? Man… I get the appeal of the Libre, but how are you ever supposed to make sense of that? Nice job practicing manual testing!

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Hi David and Mochi, welcome!
We understand how scary everything you are going through right now. It’s great you are here and asking questions.
I wanted to try to offer some help.

I’ve been using a Libre 3 on my cat, Ivy for about 2 years and I’m very comfortable using them.

Ivy doesn’t tolerate constant ear pricks, she gets very angry and will bite and scratch me. (But I have learned to do them anyway).

I do test with a handheld meter when she hits “LO” readings on the Libre most especially.

There can be a discrepancy between when you see “LO” readings on the Libre and what the handheld glucometer reads.
I use a Contour Next human meter, but it could be any handheld human meter or a pet meter.
I install the sensors myself and I keep several on hand at all times because they can fail or be pulled off at any time by the cat. I don’t want to have to wait to have someone else put it on or be without data, or have to take Ivy to a vet for that to be done. (It’s one more stressor for you and your cat, plus additional costs).

It’s truly not that hard to put on. You just have to follow the directions very carefully. Once you’ve done it one or two times you will be very comfortable doing it.
I keep a “tube top” on Ivy, (previously had a T-shirt on her. She just didn’t like the T-shirt). But most cats tolerate a tee shirt quite well.
Your kitty may get used to wearing a Libre (and then you may not have to use a T-shirt, but then again you might always have to keep one on if he likes to pull the Libre off.)

(I know you use a Libre 3 and already know this)
For a Libre 3, I got Ivy her own phone that stays with her at home and I can monitor her 24/7, the data is sent directly to my own phone through the Libre Linkup App).
The phone does not require any active service so you are not paying for an additional phone line. The phone operates on Bluetooth and uses Wi-Fi to send the data to your phone so that you can monitor your cat’s sensor information at all times.
You can use an older phone model if you have one or could purchase one used.
On the Abbott website there are lists of compatible, androids, or iPhones.

***I strongly recommend learning about how to use a Libre from the Facebook group:
“Freestyle Libre for Dogs and Cats”
They have so much valuable information, guide guides, tutorials videos, and everything you will need to learn about using a Freestyle Libre sensor and what supplies to use.

A vet’s office tends to use glue to install them, it is highly recommended not to use any glue.
The glue can flood and kill the sensor and it’s terrible on their fragile skin.

I also wanted to address your concerns about the sudden dropping of BG numbers that you experienced.
Yes, that can happen for various reasons. As you already read about, it can be a compression low if they are lying on the sensor.
It can also be that their glucose does drop quickly. It could be an error or it could be one of various things we just don’t know.

When I get a Libre alert, I certainly get up and pay attention to what’s going on.
If it continues and the BG doesn’t come back up, it’s certainly a good opportunity for a test to see what’s going on.

Sometimes the Libre stops transmitting data when the glucose either drops too quickly or goes up too quickly.
The readings usually come back, but it may take a few minutes, 20 minutes or sometimes longer. That of course, is frustrating when you want to know what’s going on.

(You can always look at Mochi’s phone as that may usually get the readings before it’s even transmitted to your phone).

As you get more experienced, knowing that you can always do a handheld meter test to double check, is good for peace of mind.

I hope this helps. Please ask questions if you have them.

 

[David & Mochi]

Right at the top right on the navy stripe you will see your username, next to Inbox and Alerts. You can edit your profile and signature there.


Completely understand, David. It's one thing to read about it, it's another to be doing it! And middle-of-the-night panic makes it so much worse

I understand why the sudden drop scared you. Couple of things to remember though:
1. Lantus does sometimes cause big drops from higher numbers to lower numbers. But the drops do even out. You're not likely to get the same sort of dramatic drop from medium numbers to very low numbers. A drop of a 100 points from 280 to 180 for example is not at all unusual, even 180 to 80. But you are unlikely to see a drop of 100 points from 130 to 30. They can be alarming at first, but you will get used to big swings in the higher numbers.
2. The danger zone begins at 50 (the lime greens). So a number in the 80s is not a cause for panic. That said, as you are new to this you will want to watch her when she gets to dark greens at first. And monitor closely from 65. Ask for advise here if you are unsure or worried.
However, in time, you will be wanting to spend time in the dark green numbers as these are pancreas healing numbers. Getting Mochi into this zone is your *long term* goal, as spending time here will give her her best chance of remission. Just keep this in your back of your mind for now though. As she is currently in the pinks and yellows you want to gently bring her down into the blue numbers first. You are in the gathering data phase now. You're looking at she reacts to shots, how her cycle goes - when does she start dipping, how low she goes and typically how far into the cycle, is she typically lower in the day or the night - how she responds to food, etc. etc. And you are building your skill set too - how to give injections, how to home test, how to manage your anxiety. You will then follow the protocol by adjusting dose up or down, depending on how she responds to the insulin. Remember it is a hormone which needs to get balanced in her body, which sometimes takes some time.
3. Do make sure you are prepared for a hypoglycemic episode. You will feel so better if you know you have everything ready and waiting. You've probably read the sticky notes on this. If you haven't done so yet make up your kit this weekend

Edited to add: Just wanted to mention that I am not super-qualified to advise, and would welcome a more experienced member to confirm, correct or add nuance to what I have said above (@Angela & Cleo or @Wendy&Neko maybe?). Just speaking from my own experience and what I have picked up and needed to learn on my own journey with FD!

Yeah last night was basically a false flag event. Her sleeping on the sensor apparently pushes fluid away from it which makes it think there is less and less sugar. i don't think it was actually ever dropping, but it was a good thing to get out of the way and learn from. I have the kit and what I think I should've done was give her food first to stabilize so I can be patient with the test. I just saw the numbers death spiral and freaked out and scared the crap out of her trying to force blood out when she wasn't calm and ok with it.

 

[David & Mochi]

So you got 81 on the Libre, and 251 on the ReliOn? Man… I get the appeal of the Libre, but how are you ever supposed to make sense of that? Nice job practicing manual testing!

It was just an error from her laying on it and putting pressure on it which pushes fluid away and the sensor thinks the number is going down. I was about to go to bed and I saw the number from from like 250 to 84 in the span of a couple mins before it error'd out I had always planned to transition to the handheld meter I just wanted to at least get the insulin started and have something available while I was learning to spot test.

 

[Tim & Pookey]

It was just an error from her laying on it and putting pressure on it which pushes fluid away and the sensor thinks the number is going down. I was about to go to bed and I saw the number from from like 250 to 84 in the span of a couple mins before it error'd out I had always planned to transition to the handheld meter I just wanted to at least get the insulin started and have something available while I was learning to spot test.

Plenty of people make the Libre work... I was just in shock about the numbers!

 

[David & Mochi]

Hi David and Mochi, welcome!
We understand how scary everything you are going through right now. It’s great you are here and asking questions.
I wanted to try to offer some help.

I’ve been using a Libre 3 on my cat, Ivy for about 2 years and I’m very comfortable using them.

Ivy doesn’t tolerate constant ear pricks, she gets very angry and will bite and scratch me. (But I have learned to do them anyway).

I do test with a handheld meter when she hits “LO” readings on the Libre most especially.

There can be a discrepancy between when you see “LO” readings on the Libre and what the handheld glucometer reads.
I use a Contour Next human meter, but it could be any handheld human meter or a pet meter.
I install the sensors myself and I keep several on hand at all times because they can fail or be pulled off at any time by the cat. I don’t want to have to wait to have someone else put it on or be without data, or have to take Ivy to a vet for that to be done. (It’s one more stressor for you and your cat, plus additional costs).

It’s truly not that hard to put on. You just have to follow the directions very carefully. Once you’ve done it one or two times you will be very comfortable doing it.
I keep a “tube top” on Ivy, (previously had a T-shirt on her. She just didn’t like the T-shirt). But most cats tolerate a tee shirt quite well.
Your kitty may get used to wearing a Libre (and then you may not have to use a T-shirt, but then again you might always have to keep one on if he likes to pull the Libre off.)

(I know you use a Libre 3 and already know this)
For a Libre 3, I got Ivy her own phone that stays with her at home and I can monitor her 24/7, the data is sent directly to my own phone through the Libre Linkup App).
The phone does not require any active service so you are not paying for an additional phone line. The phone operates on Bluetooth and uses Wi-Fi to send the data to your phone so that you can monitor your cat’s sensor information at all times.
You can use an older phone model if you have one or could purchase one used.
On the Abbott website there are lists of compatible, androids, or iPhones.

***I strongly recommend learning about how to use a Libre from the Facebook group:
“Freestyle Libre for Dogs and Cats”
They have so much valuable information, guide guides, tutorials videos, and everything you will need to learn about using a Freestyle Libre sensor and what supplies to use.

A vet’s office tends to use glue to install them, it is highly recommended not to use any glue.
The glue can flood and kill the sensor and it’s terrible on their fragile skin.

I also wanted to address your concerns about the sudden dropping of BG numbers that you experienced.
Yes, that can happen for various reasons. As you already read about, it can be a compression low if they are lying on the sensor.
It can also be that their glucose does drop quickly. It could be an error or it could be one of various things we just don’t know.

When I get a Libre alert, I certainly get up and pay attention to what’s going on.
If it continues and the BG doesn’t come back up, it’s certainly a good opportunity for a test to see what’s going on.

Sometimes the Libre stops transmitting data when the glucose either drops too quickly or goes up too quickly.
The readings usually come back, but it may take a few minutes, 20 minutes or sometimes longer. That of course, is frustrating when you want to know what’s going on.

(You can always look at Mochi’s phone as that may usually get the readings before it’s even transmitted to your phone).

As you get more experienced, knowing that you can always do a handheld meter test to double check, is good for peace of mind.

I hope this helps. Please ask questions if you have them.

Ty, I had no idea I could link phones that way and seems like a great idea. I'm actually very lucky, Mochi doesn't care or try to get the meter off at all which is lucky because she does not tolerate any kind of shirt on her. She will lick near it sometimes but thats about it. I do believe the vet used surgical glue. When you do them at home do you use any adhesive at all? And ty for the facebook group mention, will check that out today. I just wish my vet had told me of some of the potential reading errors like that. I saw previously on here that low numbers were inaccurate so I have a meter and was planning to slowly get Mochi used to it, I just had no idea the numbers could drop like that so fast (which I'm almost certain was just an error), but being day 1 I wasn't ready for it.

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Ty, I had no idea I could link phones that way and seems like a great idea. I'm actually very lucky, Mochi doesn't care or try to get the meter off at all which is lucky because she does not tolerate any kind of shirt on her. She will lick near it sometimes but thats about it. I do believe the vet used surgical glue. When you do them at home do you use any adhesive at all? And ty for the facebook group mention, will check that out today. I just wish my vet had told me of some of the potential reading errors like that. I saw previously on here that low numbers were inaccurate so I have a meter and was planning to slowly get Mochi used to it, I just had no idea the numbers could drop like that so fast (which I'm almost certain was just an error), but being day 1 I wasn't ready for it.

That’s great if she doesn’t bother the Libre. Many cats just leave it alone and then you don’t have to worry about covering it.
My Ivy had never worn anything before I put a libre on her but one time I took the top off and within five minutes, she pulled the Libre off, so I know I can’t trust her. Bad kitty

Yes, the great part about linking the phones is that you can leave the house or do whatever you need to do and keep an eye on her numbers on your own phone.
It makes it very easy to monitor. What’s going on 24/7.
(it would be like if you had a child who was diabetic and you want to monitor them using your phone).
Vets don’t seem very well-versed in how to actually use a Libre on a daily basis. I think they have a general idea, but they don’t really know the ins and outs of it.
None of my vets gave me any real warnings or any real in-depth information at all. Everything I’ve learned has been lots of reading lots of research and just by using it myself.

No, I do not use any kind of glue or adhesive.
I follow the instructions specifically as instructed on the Facebook group where they tell you to use skin tac, which is actually not a glue. It’s just a moisture barrier So I believe that just preserves the ability for the Libre to stay on.

 

[David & Mochi]

That’s great if she doesn’t bother the Libre. Many cats just leave it alone and then you don’t have to worry about covering it.
My Ivy had never worn anything before I put a libre on her but one time I took the top off and within five minutes, she pulled the Libre off, so I know I can’t trust her. Bad kitty

Yes, the great part about linking the phones is that you can leave the house or do whatever you need to do and keep an eye on her numbers on your own phone.
It makes it very easy to monitor. What’s going on 24/7.
(it would be like if you had a child who was diabetic and you want to monitor them using your phone).
Vets don’t seem very well-versed in how to actually use a Libre on a daily basis. I think they have a general idea, but they don’t really know the ins and outs of it.
None of my vets gave me any real warnings or any real in-depth information at all. Everything I’ve learned has been lots of reading lots of research and just by using it myself.

No, I do not use any kind of glue or adhesive.
I follow the instructions specifically as instructed on the Facebook group where they tell you to use skin tac, which is actually not a glue. It’s just a moisture barrier So I believe that just preserves the ability for the Libre to stay on.

I applied to join the group earlier today and am starting to go over the initial tutorial and video they said to start with. The phone thing will be a tremendous relief for sure. I'm not working atm so I can be here most of the time, but still she requires errands and trips to the pet store etc so it will be a huge peace of mind. Idk what it is with Mochi, she's almost like a sweet kid. She's never gotten into any being a stinker like most cats (even thought it's adorable) and tried to knock things over, or get frisky with me etc unless it's in a playful manner and she will play bite in the most gentle way.