Meika~Diabetes

[MauiGirl]

Well, I'm disappointed, the numbers have increased all day after giving insulin, which is the opposite of what should happen. At 4pm it was up to 439, and I have one more test to do at 7pm, then she gets dinner and insulin. Hopefully the vet will have some idea why numbers would go up instead of down.

Kathy, you are so right, this is taking longer to regulate than I hoped, so I have to be patient. Just a little sad that after increasing her dose for 10 days that the numbers are worse. I do remember the vet saying that even though she improved a little in the first month, that it usually takes several months to get control. There is still part of me wondering if she may also have Cushings which would make her insulin resistant. Time will tell.

Thanks again everybody for your support.

[wemple2]

Will your vet check for Cushings, if for no other reason then to rule it out? It'd be a shame if that's the problem...and it wasn't caught sooner. I don't know too much about Cushings...I'm going to have to do some homework. Keep the faith, I know you're worried about her, I'll keep Meika in my prayers, that you find the answers very soon.

[MauiGirl]

Her final test of the day was 390. Not so good. I'll email the vet and he likely will up the dose again and test again in 10 days. I will probably take her to the vet anyway on Wednesday just to check her weight.

I'm just so glad that she tolerates the testing so much better now cause it is obvious we are going to be doing this for the rest of her life.

The vet just wants to focus on the diabetes, and won't look into Cushings unless we are unable to regulate the glucose with insulin. He doesn't want to waste a $200 test unless he feels stronger it is needed.

I just have to be patient and hope for better numbers in 10 days.

[ladyjane]

I am so sorry this is so frustrating for you Sandy. I don't know anything about diabetes in dogs...wish I had something I could share that would help you. I suppose if your vet said it takes a few months, they you just need to be patient?? I don't know...I would be upset, too.

Keeping you and Meika in my thoughts and prayers.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

Well, I'm disappointed, the numbers have increased all day after giving insulin, which is the opposite of what should happen. At 4pm it was up to 439, and I have one more test to do at 7pm, then she gets dinner and insulin. Hopefully the vet will have some idea why numbers would go up instead of down.

Kathy, you are so right, this is taking longer to regulate than I hoped, so I have to be patient. Just a little sad that after increasing her dose for 10 days that the numbers are worse. I do remember the vet saying that even though she improved a little in the first month, that it usually takes several months to get control. There is still part of me wondering if she may also have Cushings which would make her insulin resistant. Time will tell.

Thanks again everybody for your support.

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

Her final test of the day was 390. Not so good. I'll email the vet and he likely will up the dose again and test again in 10 days. I will probably take her to the vet anyway on Wednesday just to check her weight.

I'm just so glad that she tolerates the testing so much better now cause it is obvious we are going to be doing this for the rest of her life.

The vet just wants to focus on the diabetes, and won't look into Cushings unless we are unable to regulate the glucose with insulin. He doesn't want to waste a $200 test unless he feels stronger it is needed.

I just have to be patient and hope for better numbers in 10 days.

So sorry to hear this, Sandy. I know you're so frustrated with this whole darn process-- I would be too! It's so hard when it takes so long to regulate something that seems like it should be so simple in a way. But you will get there, I know you will. I too have to wonder about the darn Cushings and how it could be interfering with this entire process.

[MauiGirl]

Yes, it's frustrating. Knowing that high glucose can damage organs and almost immediately starts growing cataracts that lead to blindness, I am really wanting to get this under control ASAP.

She started insulin Jan. 25th, 3 units 2x/day, and increased to 4, 5 and 6 u, since then, and her glucose is still around 400 all day. She is on Humulin N, which I hear is a slower/long lasting insulin, and there are others that are faster (they don't recommend due to hypoglycemia risk). Some dogs do better with different brands, so that is a possible variable. I've been strict with her food, to keep that in check.

I'm waiting for the vet office to open to review. I think Dr C is off today, so I hope to talk to Dr N and get her take on it all. I need to see some progress, then I can accept it being slow.

Thanks again everybody for all your well wishes.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

Yes, it's frustrating. Knowing that high glucose can damage organs and almost immediately starts growing cataracts that lead to blindness, I am really wanting to get this under control ASAP.

She started insulin Jan. 25th, 3 units 2x/day, and increased to 4, 5 and 6 u, since then, and her glucose is still around 400 all day. She is on Humulin N, which I hear is a slower/long lasting insulin, and there are others that are faster (they don't recommend due to hypoglycemia risk). Some dogs do better with different brands, so that is a possible variable. I've been strict with her food, to keep that in check.

I'm waiting for the vet office to open to review. I think Dr C is off today, so I hope to talk to Dr N and get her take on it all. I need to see some progress, then I can accept it being slow.

Thanks again everybody for all your well wishes.

I was going to suggest a second opinion. Perhaps speaking with the other vet will help. I hope so. I feel so badly for you...it is scary when you think of things that can happen. I honestly think that she won't be having those issues since you are trying to get her blood sugar under control. It's not like it is just running amok with no efforts to control it. I would think that if it were a high risk, they would suggest putting her in the hospital.

[MauiGirl]

Just spoke to Dr N and she feels the results are just what is expected at this point and that she is still on a very low dose so they are not concerned with possibility of Cushings at this point.

She has increased the dose to 7 units 2x/day, and to re-test in 10-14 days. They still want to go slow and let Meika's body and pancreas adjust.

One thing that made sense and will help me be patient, high glucose causes problems but it is slowly over a long period of time. Low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, is more of a concern because it can cause damage or death very quickly if not caught. So the whole purpose of increasing insulin slowly makes sense, to avoid that.

I will be patient, and restore my confidence that we will get this under control. Still happy that it was caught early, as many dogs are not diagnosed until they go blind.

[mimimomo]

Will continuously send over positive vibes for Meika! Sandy, you're doing such a wonderful job of caring for Meika, I'm confident that Meika's diabetes will be in control very soon.

[Maximo]

Continuing to pray for sweet Meika and you. I am sorry the results were not better, and I fully understand how hard it is to be patient.

Happy to hear the testing process is now relatively easy for both of you.

Sending love and hugs.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

Just spoke to Dr N and she feels the results are just what is expected at this point and that she is still on a very low dose so they are not concerned with possibility of Cushings at this point.

She has increased the dose to 7 units 2x/day, and to re-test in 10-14 days. They still want to go slow and let Meika's body and pancreas adjust.

One thing that made sense and will help me be patient, high glucose causes problems but it is slowly over a long period of time. Low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, is more of a concern because it can cause damage or death very quickly if not caught. So the whole purpose of increasing insulin slowly makes sense, to avoid that.

I will be patient, and restore my confidence that we will get this under control. Still happy that it was caught early, as many dogs are not diagnosed until they go blind.

Great! It really does make sense. Hypoglycemia can be devastating. She is a lucky girl to have you as a mom. You caught it early and you are so dedicated to her!

You are both in my thoughts and prayers....

[yorkiefan_]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

Just spoke to Dr N and she feels the results are just what is expected at this point and that she is still on a very low dose so they are not concerned with possibility of Cushings at this point.

She has increased the dose to 7 units 2x/day, and to re-test in 10-14 days. They still want to go slow and let Meika's body and pancreas adjust.

One thing that made sense and will help me be patient, high glucose causes problems but it is slowly over a long period of time. Low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, is more of a concern because it can cause damage or death very quickly if not caught. So the whole purpose of increasing insulin slowly makes sense, to avoid that.

I will be patient, and restore my confidence that we will get this under control. Still happy that it was caught early, as many dogs are not diagnosed until they go blind.

You're awesome Sandy, and doing a great job for Meika!

Chris

[wemple2]

I am really relieved that you have conquered the testing, that my friend is the hardest part. I know the waiting for control of her blood sugar is difficult, but you will get there. Step by step. At this point you just have to put your trust and faith in the vets...if you have strong reason to be concerned, get another opinion. Is your vet an Internal Medicine doctor? If not, it's entirely up to you, but a referral might not be a terrible idea. I did do this with Winston and his seizures/hypoglycemia. A good vet will not take this as an insult, they will welcome it. I only wish the very best for Meika...please know that.

[MauiGirl]

Kathy, you are right, I have to put faith in the vets, and not try to second guess them. The two vets that have been treating Meika are both very young and rather new to the clinic that is a branch of a larger clinic I've used for many years. I don't have reason to doubt their treatment, but will certainly ask for another opinion if things don't improve.

I just don't like feeling powerless, I guess.

It does help me to be able to share with you all, and to vent when I need to, and I certainly appreciate all your good thoughts. We will get through this.

Meika is such a good patient. She continues to live her life joyfully, and is such a little clown. After being cooped up in the house all weekend due to pouring rain, she decided to be brave and go out Sunday afternoon. She and Tiki got the zoomies and ran and ran around the lawn chasing each other in the rain. It was hilarious, and they came in totally soaked and looked up at me like "oops". I love when they play together, they were like little kids playing in the sprinklers. That is my joy. She may have a disease, but she certainly isn't suffering.

[wemple2]

This just makes my heart melt for her...what a little trooper!!! I'm happy you feel like you can vent with us. Certainly makes life easier...You have my total support. I'll be here for you. Kiss Meika for me...