? Advice on Buying Human Meter, Please

[fearlessmom]

Over the past month have read with interest advice on human v. pet meters. After going thru nearly 3 boxes of AT2 strips and figuring we're in this for the long haul,
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/4-22-fearless-amps-430-3-5-320-6-284.176757/
I'm ready to make the switch to human meter/strips for daily tests and save the AT2 strips for curves to share with my vet. Need advice on the following:
1. Is there a particular time to start the switch (e.g., not when kitty is tanking or bouncing)?
2. Anything special I need to do when I first switch (e.g., side-by-side tests with both meters)?
3. What is the difference between the Relion Confirm and Relion Micro (same price at Walmart and strips can be used in either one)?
4. Relion Prime is the least expensive of all the Relion models ($9 each for meter and 50 strips). Would anyone recommend it?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

1. Is there a particular time to start the switch (e.g., not when kitty is tanking or bouncing)?

I'd probably do it when kitty is in higher numbers only just because you're starting something new and having to tweak your thoughts a bit. Just note it on your spreadsheet - even add a line and just put 'human meter' on it.

2. Anything special I need to do when I first switch (e.g., side-by-side tests with both meters)?

DON'T try to do side by side tests....you'll drive yourself crazy. There's a bit different scale AND that pesky 20% +/- variance that makes that undependable.

3. What is the difference between the Relion Confirm and Relion Micro (same price at Walmart and strips can be used in either one)?

Different shapes only - uses same strips. I use the Micro just because I prefer it over the confirm I also have.

4. Relion Prime is the least expensive of all the Relion models ($9 each for meter and 50 strips). Would anyone recommend it?

Prime - meter for later, takes more blood and is a bit crankier at times altho' is cheaper. Readings are OK, I just wouldn't start with it. I do also use it when finances are overly tight.

HUGS!

 

[Lisa and Smoky]

I use the Relion micro since it uses a smaller drop of blood. I have an AT2 meter that I use for curves to show to my vet. I have trouble at times getting blood from Smoky so I like the micro better.

 

[fearlessmom]

Certainly don't want to do any unnecessary testing, but I'm concerned about not knowing how to feel about new (human meter) readings without any way to compare them to data amassed thus far on pet meter. I understand the most impt readings are <68 or <50, but can you give me any other comparisons (e.g., 300 on pet meter is nearer to 200 on human meter)?

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

If it makes you feel more comfortable, go ahead...it just gets really frustrating. If you find yourself wanting to tear out your hair, we'll stomp with you. There's too many variables to even give an accurate example. I know that's frustrating too...sorry.

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

In addition to what Lyresa just posted, if we all had AT2 and ReliOn Confirm/ Micro, took readings on the same drop of blood from same kitty, we would probably still get a variety of readings. The only generalization is that at higher numbers the difference between AT2 and ReliOn is greater and at lower numbers the difference is lower. Hope this helps