new to diabetes

[CraigM]

Re: new to diabetes

More than likely once his blood glucose gets into a 100-300 range (I'd aim for 150-250ish) he would stop loosing weight. If you switch to a more balanced feed, he will likely gain weight

I'm not saying w/d, or the other foods that are "recommended" for diabetics, are bad, just that with all that fiber they can be somewhat considered a weight loss diet. Many pups can maintain their weight with a large enough portion, if the blood glucose is in a decent range. Remember, if you make a food change it will undoubtedly affect the insulin requirement.

Craig

[MisterMax]

Re: new to diabetes

I REALLY MESSED UP TODAY!!!! I gave insulin when he didn't eat. I don't know what I was thinking! Probably that he had a pretty decent day yesterday and I was aiming for another. Max has been fighting low BG today. It has been VERY SCARY! And knowing I am the one who inflicted it upon him makes it that much worse! He has had so much maple syrup he is now refusing it. Thankfully (that it isn't dangerously low), his last reading at 4 PM was 591. Additionally, I am down to my last 4 test strips! I have used almost all 25 strips since I started testing 4 days ago (many wasted because I was learning).
He has not eaten much all day and nothing tonight. He has had some dehydrated chicken strips throughout the day, but is refusing that now also. He is very weak and I am worried about his lack of food intake.
His BG readings today were:
6 AM- 356
10:15 AM- 145 after I gave him maple syrup. He was listless and shaking.
11:30 AM - 216
12:30 PM - 252
2 PM - 126 gave more maple syrup
4:20 PM - 591

He has been listless and lethargic all day with episodes of shaking. Even when his BG was in the desired range (@ 11:30 and 12:30)! Can anyone explain that to me?
He has not eaten tonight and I did not give his thyroid medication because it is supposed to be taken with food. Should I give it to him anyway?

Please offer suggestions.
Thank you!
Dixie

[amydunn19]

Re: new to diabetes

He sounds like he could have pancreatitis - his blood sugar did not reach a dangerous low according to the numbers you posted. It is still a lesson learned and I made plenty of the same ones so don't beat yourself up about it.

[LizE]

Re: new to diabetes

I have also accidentally given my dog insulin when she hadn't eaten. It's the worst feeling ever. Maybe setting up a routine like putting the insulin bottle on the notebook that you record her bg and food intake so you have to log the data before you fill the syringe would help. At any rate, it's behind you now to don't worry about it.

Also, you might want to run out and get a human meter and strips to tide you over until you get more Alphatrak strips. People meters will read higher than your pet meter but there's a lot of info on this site to help you through it. I think it will give you some peace of mind.

My vet warned me that there is an average age range that dogs are diagnosed with diabetes. Outside of that age range dogs don't typically just "get" diabetes - there is usually an underlying problem that brought it on and that that problem can be difficult to diagnose.

I think with all the symptoms Max has that you still haven't gotten a great diagnoses. It doesn't sound like you have faith in your regular vet and the specialist ruled some things out but didn't provide ongoing care. It the Vet school on option for you? The program is highly rated.