New Member-trying to hang in there!

New Member. Gracie (8 yrs., 10 lbs) was diagnosed last week. We started Lantus 1/22/20. So far so good. Nervous about doing the blood testing. Vet instructed to wait one week after initial insulin dose. Finding this group extremely helpful. We are in southern Maine.

 

Welcome! I was so nervous at first too, but once I got that first test in I felt much better about everything. Just knowing what my kitty’s glucose was made me more relaxed and able to deal with the whole diabetes thing. We can help you learn, no need to wait a whole week

 

Welcome to FDMB.
You should begin testing immediately instead of waiting. The reason is that you need to make sure it is safe to give the dose. If the glucose levels are too low when it is time to give the insulin, you risk Gracie becoming hypoglycemic. This can be very dangerous.

 

Some information to get you started.

New? How You Can Help Us Help You!

 

I have to agree with Lisa. No need to wait to test. Even is all you do is a pre-shot test, it lets you make sure the blood sugar level is high enough to give insulin. My vet didn't suggest home testing at all, but if I hadn't been testing at home, I would have lost my sweet boy on day 5. His blood sugar had dropped to 52, and he was on 2 units at that time. If I had just given him the insulin without testing, it would have crashed his blood sugar completely.

 

M'row and I are very happy with testing! At first it was a little hard to learn; kept reading & watching videos; figured it out. Later on, consider doing a glucose curve now and then; this gives even more information. For instance, I know .M'row's nadir (lowest BG level) is 6-8 hours after his lantus shot; also I learned that for this kitty, I dont have to withhold food for an hour or two before feeding. That's great, as he's always been a grazer. We test faithfully before every shot.

 

Welcome to you and Gracie!
The I agree with the others. Start testing the blood glucose now. It’s the only way to keep your kitty safe.
Sounds scary but it’s not and your kitty will love you for keeping her safe.
Very supportive community here and we will all help you.

 

Some information to get you started New? How You Can Help Us Help You!

Waving to you across state lines.

Hi Gracie. Do you think your mum would share her first name with us?

 

Sienne and Gabby (GA) has suggested that there are many more experienced users of Lantus on the Lantus ISG. You may want to think about posting over there.
Lantus / Basaglar (glargine) and Levemir (detemir)