Shed

[Delma and Frank]

Just learned about a shed. I've used vetsulin for 1 1/2 years and didnt know of this term. Is this a term with the use of Lantus only

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Great that you're reading and asking questions! A "shed" or depot is how any drug builds up in the system. It creates what amounts to that is in storage vs. an amount that is directly available for use. Compared to other short or intermediate acting insulins, this is particular to Lantus and Levemir. It's what makes these insulins very different than Vetsulin. And, it makes Lantus and Levemir much more gentle with regard to use. It also allows for overlap between doses. It is also why you will need to stick with your starting dose of Lantus for between 5 - 7 days. It will take roughly that long for the shed to build.

I noticed your earlier post. The Lantus ISG operates a little differently than the Health board or the other ISGs. Because there are so many kitties here, we open one thread (we call them condos) per day, per cat. You'll see the way the subject lines are set up reflecting doses and we alter the subject line if there is a question or pressing issue. No worries at this point but it's more of a convention for all of us so we can keep track of everything.

I hope you will consider posting regularly/daily. There is a considerable difference between Lantus and Vetulin and you will pretty much need to forget everything that you know about dosing. Lantus dosing is not on a sliding amount and is not based on pre-shot BG levels. Dosing decisions are based on the nadir. Obviously, we get pre-shot BGs tests so we are not shooting blind but mid-cycle tests are extremely important.

When you have a chance, please visit the Tech Forum. There are instructions for creating both a spreadsheet and profile and how to link this information to your signature. This will provide everyone here with information about Hoyt's progress and his background, medical issues, etc. Please continue to ask questions. We will do our best to not overwhelm you!

 

[Roni and Moonie]

Great question & great explaination..You are going to have to think differently with lantus, so try to forget what you knew about vetsulin..Sorry, but it will be worth the change..

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

Just learned about a shed. I've used vetsulin for 1 1/2 years and didnt know of this term. Is this a term with the use of Lantus only

the term "shed" was coined here in the lantus group awhile back as a way of providing a visual aid.
however, "the shed" is really just a term for INSULIN DEPOT... which applies to any insulin. we use the leftover action from the long acting insulins to our advantage to provide the shallow flat curves both lantus and levemir are known for.

from the Pet Diabetes Wikia:

INSULIN DEPOT

"One's subcutaneous "spare tank" of insulin, which has yet to be used by the body.

Because no insulin injection is immediately 100% absorbed by the body, the yet to be used insulin stays under the skin, the system drawing on this "reserve" as needed. Any such insulin effects that last after the insulin's expected action is over are also known as carryover in some literature.

If you're using only intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin alone (without any short-acting insulin), about 24 hours worth of insulin requirements are in your depot.

The larger your insulin dose, the larger the insulin depot in your subcutaneous fat tissue. Having a large vs smaller insulin depot means the effect of the insulin can be less consistent--more chance of it varying from day to day. This same insulin depot is the reason why it can take anywhere from 2-5 days to see any effect of insulin dosage changes.

This handy "extra tank" is also there to give you a hand if you miss or are late with an injection.

On the other hand, when you do miss an injection, your "spare tank" is very low by next injection time, and so the next injection may have less effect than expected!"


hope this helps...