Tuesday, April 19, 2016

The Points of Insulin

Tucker’s treatment for his diabetes continues well. His ‘numbers’, as indicated by the ‘curves’ I perform on him each month, are good. I have recently increased his morning insulin amount by a unit, while keeping the evening one as it was. I spoke with his doctor, expressing concern that his ‘numbers’ were not dipping low enough, and she agreed that I should increase the amount. I would have preferred to boost both his morning and evening injections by half a unit, but the ‘pen’ I use does not allow for that.



I have had to change the needles that I attach to the pen. I have been using the 12.7 mm / 29 gauge needles, but have been advised that they are no longer being made. I assume that, in keeping with other products these days, companies found it cheaper to make another kind. I have therefore switched to the 8 mm / 31 gauge needle. This is more than a third shorter than the previous needle, and is minutely thicker. I worried that Tucker would feel this difference. I tried one of the new needles, therefore, before I ran out of the old, to measure his response. Thankfully, the roly poly one seemed not to have noticed any alteration.


He continues to accept his injections with good humour. He lies down without protest and, in fact, has almost always purred through the brief process, his chubby paws flexing. I make sure to talk to him during it, but I don’t think the procedure bothers him in the slightest. I wonder sometimes if he feels immediate relief of some sort, which accounts for his readiness to accept a twice-daily jab. In any case, he makes my part in the action very easy. Since I must give him his shot before I go to work each weekday, I must do it at the same time on my days off, as well, which means waking at 5.30 every morning. But at least on weekends, I can go back to bed. Tucker, of course, has that option every day, the lucky dog. But it doesn’t trouble me. As long as the roly poly sausage feels as calm and content as this most of his days, I will, too.


15 comments:

  1. You can't get more calm and content than that! :-)

    We're glad Tucker continues to do so well. He's such a gentle sweetheart.

    Purrs and peace.

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  2. John, while roly P doesn't seem to mind the new gauge needle; have you checked with an online service to see if the 29 might be available; like Amazon Canada for instance.

    There's a company here that does ship North called Drs. Foster and Smith and typically if they can't get it....it's obsolete

    Not sure on the shipping charges for either though ~ ♥♥♥

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  3. It's good to hear that Tucker's diabetes is under control. You're taking great care of him! Jeremy was diabetic, and I would have to draw his insulin up in a syringe which came with a 28 gauge needle. I would also have to test his blood sugar daily to determine how much insulin he needed on that particular day. He would get anywhere from 1/2 a unit to 3 1/2 units daily. Sometimes we'd be lucky and no insulin would be needed for a day or two. Caring for a diabetic cat can be overwhelming, but the cats seem to get used to it. And as you noted, the needles are so small, they really don't seem to feel the injection. The good thing with cats is that unlike humans, cats may go into remission and no insulin will be needed for awhile. Jeremy was diabetic for about 5 years and during that time, he went into remission for 2 years.

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    1. I hope that Tucker is able to go into remission, too, of course; that's something to work toward.

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  4. Oh my, I just love that face. I'm happy that he is doing fine and that you, too, are coping well.I know it can be a little stressful at times. Sending a hug, Deb

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  5. Good for Tucker! He's obviously realizes what you have to do is for his good. Glad to hear he is doing well.

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  6. I am glad that Tucker is doing well with his diabetes numbers. He is such a good boy to purr throughout the injections.

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  7. What a sweet boy and such a good one too for accepting his insulin so well. WE hope he does go into remission.

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  8. Look how relaxed he is. How wonderful that he takes his insulin so well & such a good cat daddy you are! I just love that face of his!

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  9. Tucker is such a brave soul. He really does not seem to mind the needles! He is so fortunate to have you.

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  10. Thanks for the update on Tucker. Marvellous fellow! I think that the way you've handled giving Tucker the insulin injections plays a large part in how relaxed he is in receiving them. Your confident and reassuring touch tells him everything will be OK. We're praying for remission.

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  11. Love Tucker's happy photos :) I am so glad things are going so well with his diabetes.

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