Hi, we (Brad & Linda) are new to the forum. We have an 8 year old miniature Dachshund named Millie. Millie suffered a severe attack of pancreatitis this past January 2011 that she barely survived. She dropped from nearly 25 pounds to 14 pounds in little more than a week. At that time, she was also diagnosed a diabetic and now requires 8 units of PZI insulin twice daily.
Since January, Millie has suffered yet another episode of pancreatitis. This latest incident has led us to realize that Millie can not tolerate much fat in her diet, and we are working to create a diet for Millie that will better help us to regulate her diabetes. She is seriously emaciated and until her diabetes is regulated, the vet advised us that it is unlikely that she will gain any weight. She is also suffering from diabetic neuropathy in her legs.
My Mother was a diabetic and passed away three years ago. She left us with a multitude of glucometers and test strips. I had attempted to obtain blood sugars on Millie after this latest incident; however, I was advised to get blood from ear which was like getting blood out of a turnip. After searching the net, I found that a viable alternative site for obtaining blood was the underside of the lip above the canine tooth. That seems to work well. I have been drawing Millie’s blood sugars in the evening, but since we recently added regular exercise to her daily routine and changed her diet, we began testing three times a day. This is where our questions begin:
1. I draw blood sugars after she eats and before she receives her insulin. Is there a certain amount of time I should wait after she eats to test her glucose? And, since we try to walk her after she eats, should I test her glucose before or after her walk? And, if so, how soon? I am using the Accu Check Advantage Glucometer.
2. Another question we have is that Millie's blood sugar levels are high in the morning and low in the evening. Can someone help us understand why? For example, Millie eats breakfast between 8:30-9:30am and her numbers range between 328-348. Her numbers at lunch time (1-2pm) are around 345-389. At dinnertime 6:30-7:30pm her glucose is 213-259. She gets 8 units of insulin after breakfast and after dinner. I'm wondering if we are waiting to long to feed her in the morning.
3. I understand the food we feed her has an effect on her diabetes, and I've noted the diet we are feeding her below. Can anyone comment on whether the food we are feeding her would be better fed for example at dinner instead of breakfast? I want to feed her the right food at the right time of day for her to get the most benefit.
Breakfast: Millie gets 1/2 cup of Royal Canin Diabetic kibble and 1/2 cup of white rice w/chicken. I've recently switched to brown rice and have added some garlic. I was concerned the white rice might be adversely affecting her blood sugars. White rice is easier on the stomach when she is sick, but pureed brown rice I understand is a better on a more regular basis.
Lunch: Millie gets 1/2 cup of Royal Canin Diabetic kibble, 1/4 cup of plain pumpkin and 1/4 of w/d diabetic can dog food.
Dinner: Millie gets 1/2 cup of Royal Canin Diabetic kibble and 1/2 cup of pureed veggies (no sodium added green beans, sweet peas, cucumber and carrots).
Snacks: I have purchased sodium free plain rice cakes and for a frozen treat, I have taken frozen mixed berries and combined them with fat free vanilla yogurt and a little water to make smoothies. I pour them into ice cube trays and pop one out for a sweet treat.
Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Since changing her diet and adding exercise, Millie seems to have a bounce in her step once again. It is just important to us to get her blood sugars stabalized as soon as possible, not just so she can gain some weight, but we also need to avoid any more bouts of pancreatitis. They really take their toll on her.
Regards,
Linda
