Question for diabetics taking insulin shots

Dottie · 07-04-2012, 08:41 AM

My dog was diagnosed with diabetes and will need to take insulin 2x a day.
My question is: how does the shot make you feel? Since she can't tell me, I thought I'd ask.
Assuming correct dosage, do you get an energy rush, any type of mental change, any physical differences?
It's hard to put into words what I'm asking, but I want what's best for her and the more I understand what she's going through, the better I can do that.
Thanks

GirlKickinIt · 07-04-2012, 09:19 AM

Oh I am so sorry to hear that, for you and your pup.

She's blessed to have a Mom to take care of her thru this.

I'd suggest going at this kinda slowly...to find out how much she needs. Having too much insulin in your system and going to low with your blood sugars can make ya wish for death. That being said...after a half hour or so from the time that I've taken it, I feel less thirsty, less tired, less cranky, more able to focus. My mood feels more balanced. I never feel any bursts of energy though...ever.

I hope you & your pup have an easy time of getting this figured out.

Dottie · 07-04-2012, 09:56 AM

Thank you

I gave her the first shot this morning (20 units) and she seems great!
I have some karo syrup on hand, the vet suggested 1T if I notice the low blood sugar signs. So far she seems good though!
Thanks for your info, that really helps

Leo41 · 07-04-2012, 12:14 PM

Dottie- I just thought I'd mention this. I have a cat, and one of my former cat sitters told me that 2 of her cats developed diabetes--which is very common in cats. They were on insulin, and she did a little research and changed them to a completely grain-free diet. Within six months, she told me, her cats had normal blood sugars, and the vet was amazed. They were able to come off the insulin, although she, of course, had to continue the grain-free diet.

My cat prefers canned food, but I keep dry food out for 'free feeding,' and I have grain-free for him--he loves it. He's not diabetic, but I'm feeding him this as a preventive measure.

I'm sure there's grain-free dog food.

Dottie · 07-04-2012, 01:09 PM

Thanks Leo, I've been looking into that!
I will go with the Vet's recommendations until we get her stable, then I'm going to press him for a more low-carb diet than the foods he has her on now.
I did bring it up with him already (lol).

Mobear · 07-04-2012, 02:34 PM

I take insulin and since I've been low carbing I don't have the enormous blood sugar swings that I used to have. But, in the past I would feel very very sleepy, tired, and thirsty when my blood sugar would get too high. Insulin would slowly clear up the tiredness, and I would feel better though not necessarily full of energy.

When my blood sugar would go low I would feel very jittery and confused. Sometimes I would shake and start to sweat profusely. Glucose tablet would generally bring me out of this within about 10-15 minutes.

I think going with a grain free diet (with your Vet's ok) would be an excellent idea. It sure has helped me

I'm just guessing, but insulin without lowering your dogs carb intake may cause weight gain. Insulin is the fat storage hormone for humans and maybe for dogs also.

Good luck to you and your pup!

cfine · 07-04-2012, 02:51 PM

Quote:

I'm sure there's grain-free dog food.

Yes, there are many grain-free dog food brands out there now. I feed my dogs Evo.

Vilya · 07-04-2012, 06:42 PM

Grain-free is the best for dogs and cats, IMO. Many dogs have allergies or sensitivities to wheat and corn. I am not a fan of dry kibble for cats, as they are obligate carnivores and should really be fed an all-canned diet.

YMMV, of course. I know plenty of dogs who eat crap food and are fine. LOL

GirlKickinIt · 07-05-2012, 06:31 AM

Blue Buffalo hardfood is a really Good brand for Dogs. They don't overeat it, as it's not a *junk food* goodie like regular cheapie foods. It's expensive...but really it lasts a good long time, because they're not chowing so much. Our dogs skin issues cleared up real quick being on the Blue Buffalo too.

ravenrose · 07-06-2012, 10:09 AM

no change in feeling at all generally speaking. don't worry about it! *hug*

it does make you hungry if you get low blood sugars. and if you are used to very high numbers, sometimes normal levels will make you feel shaky and all at first. but you adapt pretty fast.

the dose of insulin your vet prescribes is based on the carb content he assumes your pup is eating. if you cut the carbs, the insulin dose will need to be cut. discuss this with your vet. if he doesn't understand the question or have any answer, message me about it and I will try to help. low blood sugars are not healthy and you want to avoid that.

07-04-2012, 08:41 AM	#1
Dottie Administrator Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: S.E. Texas Gulf Coast Posts: 68,700 Gallery: Dottie WOE: JUDDD calorie cycling plan	Question for diabetics taking insulin shots My dog was diagnosed with diabetes and will need to take insulin 2x a day. My question is: how does the shot make you feel? Since she can't tell me, I thought I'd ask. Assuming correct dosage, do you get an energy rush, any type of mental change, any physical differences? It's hard to put into words what I'm asking, but I want what's best for her and the more I understand what she's going through, the better I can do that. Thanks

07-04-2012, 09:19 AM	#2
GirlKickinIt Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Almost Heaven~Central Oregon Posts: 3,641 Gallery: GirlKickinIt Stats: I can't get no...satisfaction!! WOE: Atkins-Bernstien-High FAT Start Date: 9/20/2001	Oh I am so sorry to hear that, for you and your pup. She's blessed to have a Mom to take care of her thru this. I'd suggest going at this kinda slowly...to find out how much she needs. Having too much insulin in your system and going to low with your blood sugars can make ya wish for death. That being said...after a half hour or so from the time that I've taken it, I feel less thirsty, less tired, less cranky, more able to focus. My mood feels more balanced. I never feel any bursts of energy though...ever. I hope you & your pup have an easy time of getting this figured out. __________________ ~June~ Cruisin' to Nebraska 179/1282

07-06-2012, 10:09 AM	#10
ravenrose . Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: California Posts: 9,175 Gallery: ravenrose Stats: lost 130 lb so far, and miles to go before I sleep WOE: low carb controlled calorie Start Date: June, 2009	no change in feeling at all generally speaking. don't worry about it! hug it does make you hungry if you get low blood sugars. and if you are used to very high numbers, sometimes normal levels will make you feel shaky and all at first. but you adapt pretty fast. the dose of insulin your vet prescribes is based on the carb content he assumes your pup is eating. if you cut the carbs, the insulin dose will need to be cut. discuss this with your vet. if he doesn't understand the question or have any answer, message me about it and I will try to help. low blood sugars are not healthy and you want to avoid that. __________________ Often I don't come back to read threads where I've posted. If you want me to see something, please send me a private message. Thanks! Last edited by ravenrose; 07-06-2012 at 10:11 AM..

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07-04-2012, 09:56 AM	#3
Dottie Administrator Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: S.E. Texas Gulf Coast Posts: 68,700 Gallery: Dottie WOE: JUDDD calorie cycling plan	Thank you I gave her the first shot this morning (20 units) and she seems great! I have some karo syrup on hand, the vet suggested 1T if I notice the low blood sugar signs. So far she seems good though! Thanks for your info, that really helps

07-04-2012, 12:14 PM	#4
Leo41 Senior LCF member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 8,460 Gallery: Leo41 Stats: 340 then/145 now WOE: Low carb/calorie cycling	Dottie- I just thought I'd mention this. I have a cat, and one of my former cat sitters told me that 2 of her cats developed diabetes--which is very common in cats. They were on insulin, and she did a little research and changed them to a completely grain-free diet. Within six months, she told me, her cats had normal blood sugars, and the vet was amazed. They were able to come off the insulin, although she, of course, had to continue the grain-free diet. My cat prefers canned food, but I keep dry food out for 'free feeding,' and I have grain-free for him--he loves it. He's not diabetic, but I'm feeding him this as a preventive measure. I'm sure there's grain-free dog food.

07-04-2012, 01:09 PM	#5
Dottie Administrator Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: S.E. Texas Gulf Coast Posts: 68,700 Gallery: Dottie WOE: JUDDD calorie cycling plan	Thanks Leo, I've been looking into that! I will go with the Vet's recommendations until we get her stable, then I'm going to press him for a more low-carb diet than the foods he has her on now. I did bring it up with him already (lol).

07-04-2012, 02:34 PM	#6
Mobear Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: OH Posts: 1,086 Gallery: Mobear Stats: 235/192/LESS WOE: Bernstein Start Date: 9/2010	I take insulin and since I've been low carbing I don't have the enormous blood sugar swings that I used to have. But, in the past I would feel very very sleepy, tired, and thirsty when my blood sugar would get too high. Insulin would slowly clear up the tiredness, and I would feel better though not necessarily full of energy. When my blood sugar would go low I would feel very jittery and confused. Sometimes I would shake and start to sweat profusely. Glucose tablet would generally bring me out of this within about 10-15 minutes. I think going with a grain free diet (with your Vet's ok) would be an excellent idea. It sure has helped me I'm just guessing, but insulin without lowering your dogs carb intake may cause weight gain. Insulin is the fat storage hormone for humans and maybe for dogs also. Good luck to you and your pup!

07-04-2012, 06:42 PM	#8
Vilya Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 1,755 Gallery: Vilya Stats: 285/184/170 WOE: LC/HF for T2 diabetes Start Date: Sept. 2011	Grain-free is the best for dogs and cats, IMO. Many dogs have allergies or sensitivities to wheat and corn. I am not a fan of dry kibble for cats, as they are obligate carnivores and should really be fed an all-canned diet. YMMV, of course. I know plenty of dogs who eat crap food and are fine. LOL

07-05-2012, 06:31 AM	#9
GirlKickinIt Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Almost Heaven~Central Oregon Posts: 3,641 Gallery: GirlKickinIt Stats: I can't get no...satisfaction!! WOE: Atkins-Bernstien-High FAT Start Date: 9/20/2001	Blue Buffalo hardfood is a really Good brand for Dogs. They don't overeat it, as it's not a junk food goodie like regular cheapie foods. It's expensive...but really it lasts a good long time, because they're not chowing so much. Our dogs skin issues cleared up real quick being on the Blue Buffalo too.