? 6/30 Tiger AMPS 200 +2 93 +3 88

[J9pearson]

Tiger is at 4.5u this AM. Insulin steadily declining almost daily, sometimes 2x a day. I have noticed the last 2 reductions he showed signs and symptoms of being low (ravenous hunger and he stays very close to me.) When I test him his bg has been in the high 70s. Should I give him some HC food when I notice the increased hunger? Both times at the next hour mark he's been sleeping or noticeably more calm.
@Wendy&Neko

 

[Wendy&Neko]

If he's in the 70's, I'd start with feeding LC. When you feed HC, that can influence the numbers for a couple hours, meaning that the HC can wear off and his numbers drop again after that. Typically you should wait up (if at night) and test again 2 hours after the HC to make sure he's staying up without the HC influence. If he's up with just LC, it's OK to call it a night.

Having said that, unless you tested Tiger or had blood work done before diabetes, you might not know what his BG comfort zone is. Since Neko I've taken the habit of testing the civvies to get an idea what that is.

Tiger also seems to do a big drop at onset. Besides shot time, when are you feeding him? Just wondering if the big drop is making his body worried and whether a little extra food before the onset would slow down the drop.

 

[J9pearson]

If he's in the 70's, I'd start with feeding LC. When you feed HC, that can influence the numbers for a couple hours, meaning that the HC can wear off and his numbers drop again after that. Typically you should wait up (if at night) and test again 2 hours after the HC to make sure he's staying up without the HC influence. If he's up with just LC, it's OK to call it a night.

Having said that, unless you tested Tiger or had blood work done before diabetes, you might not know what his BG comfort zone is. Since Neko I've taken the habit of testing the civvies to get an idea what that is.

Tiger also seems to do a big drop at onset. Besides shot time, when are you feeding him? Just wondering if the big drop is making his body worried and whether a little extra food before the onset would slow down the drop.

Yes, I don't know his BG comfort range. Tiger free feeds with Young Again MA. He's a grazer and loves to eat dry food. I found a thread giving the FF gravies suggestion for HC. Do you have any suggestions for LC (and MC?) I should be able to find at my local pet store? I found Dr. Lisa's chart and understand 18% carb is considered HC, however, I am not sure which brands are easily available here in the U.S. or what the % is for LC and MC.
His big drop at onset is certainly apparant. I haven't been giving him anything yet for the 70's and 80's lows but given how I'm now seeing the signs of a low (ravenous hunger) I am thinking despite him not being in the "low" range (60). As far as giving him food to "slow down the drop" I was thinking if I gave him food preshot it would complicate the picture of what is truly happening with his BG and the data to determine if he should reduce would be skewed? I won't lie, I am loving the reductions and am cheering him on to go OTJ!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Anything above 15% is considered HC. I used 16-17% for Neko cause anything higher sent her soaring. And she was allergic to wheat, so the FF gravies weren't a good option. Most of the ones listed on Dr. Lisa's chart should be available in the US. Maybe search your local pet food stores web site and see what they carry. Since I'm in Canada, we have less options from the chart and I'm not able to help you with US options. Anything 11-15% is MC. It'll be trial and error to see what he likes, though Neko hardly ever met a food she didn't love (thanks to acro). She was primarily fed raw.

Does Tiger not feed on his YA when getting ravenous? Typically we suggest HC when below 50, unless needed to slow a drop. But I'd start with MC first and maybe at +1.5 so he has a little carbs in his tummy before onset. It's OK to feel at preshot too. Most people do.

 

[J9pearson]

Anything above 15% is considered HC. I used 16-17% for Neko cause anything higher sent her soaring. And she was allergic to wheat, so the FF gravies weren't a good option. Most of the ones listed on Dr. Lisa's chart should be available in the US. Maybe search your local pet food stores web site and see what they carry. Since I'm in Canada, we have less options from the chart and I'm not able to help you with US options. Anything 11-15% is MC. It'll be trial and error to see what he likes, though Neko hardly ever met a food she didn't love (thanks to acro). She was primarily fed raw.

Does Tiger not feed on his YA when getting ravenous? Typically we suggest HC when below 50, unless needed to slow a drop. But I'd start with MC first and maybe at +1.5 so he has a little carbs in his tummy before onset. It's OK to feel at preshot too. Most people do.

He goes nuts on the counter in the kitchen looking for anything! It's almost as if he forgets about his food (currently in another room.) He knocked over a pizza box last night! and he does like all food but it's the free feeding that's needed because he will wake me up several times throughout the night looking for food. I'm telling you, it's a good thing I love him so much!