Help with spreadsheet and changing glucose meter

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Vanlora Light

Vanlora Light

Member Since 2021
Hi!

I just bought a human meter(Contour next) to switch from Alphatrak meter since AT test strips got too expensive for me and I couldn't test as often.
Last night I took his glucose with the human meter for the first time and I don't know what to make of the numbers yet because I'm used to seeing the AT results.
Also my spreadsheet was made for the Alphatrak, on the top of the spreadsheet where there is the range of numbers and color codes for it.

Do I have to change anything on the spreadsheet to make everything color coded for the human meter now so I can at least see if he is in the blues or yellows.
Also my new meter is in mg/dl which is also difficult for me to transition to, and when I put the numbers in the mg/dl section for some reason it doesn't 'translate' into the mmol/l section, so everything in the mmol section is blank.

I'd also like to keep the Alphatrak color coded results so I can look back and see, maybe I need a new spreadsheet can anyone help me?
 
You won't need a new spreadsheet, like Corey said @Bandit's Mom
can fix everything for you.:cat:
One thing you need to be testing a couple times after the PMPS shot to see how low your kitty is dropping, so you don't miss any reductions. You have missed a lot of test after AMPS shots also
Doses are based in how low they are dropping ,not the pre shots
You might want to read up in the rising methods , they are based in human meters so you can choose one when you switch over
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

I would suggest posting on the Lantus forum everyday in case you need advice on doses
You would put
Date, Missy, then her AMPS# and any other tests after that so members can follow along, you can also put PMPS on the same title
 
Last edited:
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
You won't need a new spreadsheet, like Corey said @Bandit's Mom
can fix everything for you.:cat:
One thing you need to be testing a couple times after the PMPS shot to see how low your kitty is dropping, so you don't miss any reductions. You have missed a lot of test after AMPS shots also
Doses are based in how low they are dropping ,not the pre shots
You might want to read up in the rising methods , they are based in human meters so you can choose one when you switch over
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

I would suggest posting on the Lantus forum everyday in case you need advice on doses
You would put
Date, Missy, then her AMPS# and any other tests after that so members can follow along, you can also put PMPS on the same title
Click to expand...
Yeah I purchased the human meter just to take more tests during the day because I couldn't with alphatrak.
Now I have used the human meter couple times now to test him and I've noticed that today he has been 129, 133 and 141mg/dl, all are in the blues but I'm not sure if it's accurate since isn't the spreadsheet color coded for alpha trak I was using, the colors really help me analyze these results. It's so confusing now, are these results okay? What could they be on the alphatrak, are they close enough to the normal range you would get on the human meter? I'm not sure what to think of it. Because looking at these results I'm not sure if it's accurate, I don't have any more alphatrak test trips so I can't even compare. I kind of want to know how much" off "the human meter is. I'm used to my routine I had before with the AT and feeling so stressed now so I need some kind of reference to know where I am at.
 
Human meters read lower than pet meters. There is no formula to convert readings from one to the other. The difference in the meters is lower at lower numbers but can be quite a bit (a few hundred points) at very high numbers. Do not waste time and strips trying to compare meters. Many of us have tried and realized it is an exercise in futility! :-)

I can help you change the coding of your spreadsheet from pet meter to human meter. The only difference in colour coding is that the normal range for human meters is 50-99 mg/dl (2.8-55 mmol/L, dark green) and below 50 (2.8 mmol/L) is low (lime). For pet meters, the normal range is 68-99 mg/dl (3.8-5.5 mmol/L, dark green) and below 68 mg/dl (3.8 mmol/L) is low.

How did you even find a meter reading mg/dl? Wouldn't all the meters there be mmol/L? :-)
 
Bandit's Mom said:
Human meters read lower than pet meters. There is no formula to convert readings from one to the other. The difference in the meters is lower at lower numbers but can be quite a bit (a few hundred points) at very high numbers. Do not waste time and strips trying to compare meters. Many of us have tried and realized it is an exercise in futility! :)

I can help you change the coding of your spreadsheet from pet meter to human meter. The only difference in colour coding is that the normal range for human meters is 50-99 mg/dl (2.8-55 mmol/L, dark green) and below 50 (2.8 mmol/L) is low (lime). For pet meters, the normal range is 68-99 mg/dl (3.8-5.5 mmol/L, dark green) and below 68 mg/dl (3.8 mmol/L) is low.

How did you even find a meter reading mg/dl? Wouldn't all the meters there be mmol/L? :)
Click to expand...

Changing the color codes would help me actually.
I'm in Greece rn and the meter I got was in mg/dl, I was also surprised by it and I don't think I can change it in the settings. I have just divided it by 18 to get mmol so it's easier for me to understand.
 
Vanlora Light said:
Changing the color codes would help me actually.
I'm in Greece rn and the meter I got was in mg/dl, I was also surprised by it and I don't think I can change it in the settings. I have just divided it by 18 to get mmol so it's easier for me to understand.
Click to expand...
@Bandit's Mom
Hi Bhooma I could be wrong but don't you x by 18 not divide
@Vanlora Light
Are you using the human meter already and is so when did you start
 
Vanlora Light said:
Yes I have already started using the human meter, since 21th evening, and I also bought Freestyle life strips, because I heard people use it for Alphatrak as well, wanted to try out.
Click to expand...
@Bandit's Mom
Hi Bhooma I see she is already using the countor next human meter as of 6/21 PMPS
Could you change the color coding up top for her and draw a line when she started using it and also where she has the Alpha Trak listed
@Vanlora Light
I have seen many members post not to use the freestyle light test strips with the Alpha Trak .
Stick with one meter ,the human meter since thats what our numbers are based on
Also on your signature you need to put date when you switched to the human meter
Tap on your name up top and tap in signature to add the contour next
Expect a message from @Bandit's Mom in your inbox up top so she can change everything
Thanks Bhooma

@Vanlora Light you still need to pick a dosing method which will let you know when to increase or decrease
Here is the link please read it
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

@Bandit's Mom
 
Last edited:
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
@Bandit's Mom
Hi Bhooma I see she is already using the countor next human meter as of 6/21 PMPS
Could you change the color coding up top for her and draw a line when she started using it and also where she has the Alpha Trak listed
@Vanlora Light
I have seen many members post not to use the freestyle light test strips with the Alpha Trak .
Stick with one meter ,the human meter since thats what our numbers are based on
Also on your signature you need to put date when you switched to the human meter
Tap on your name up top and tap in signature to add the contour next
Expect a message from @Bandit's Mom in your inbox up top so she can change everything
Thanks Bhooma

@Vanlora Light you still need to pick a dosing method which will let you know when to increase or decrease
Here is the link please read it
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

@Bandit's Mom
Click to expand...
Damn today I took a curve with the alphatrak+ Freestyle lite test strips. Mainly bc it shows the mmol and I thought it was going to be closer to the "real" results(alphatrak). I'm not sure if he had a hypo event some days ago and now he is bouncing still or.. When do people normally increase the insulin dose? Also his numbers are highly affected by the food he eats, he had whiskas before that I can't get anymore where I am, now he is getting Wellfed, this good quality raw low carb kind of food and he has high glucose ugh why.
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
@Bandit's Mom
Hi Bhooma I see she is already using the countor next human meter as of 6/21 PMPS
Could you change the color coding up top for her and draw a line when she started using it and also where she has the Alpha Trak listed
@Vanlora Light
I have seen many members post not to use the freestyle light test strips with the Alpha Trak .
Stick with one meter ,the human meter since thats what our numbers are based on
Also on your signature you need to put date when you switched to the human meter
Tap on your name up top and tap in signature to add the contour next
Expect a message from @Bandit's Mom in your inbox up top so she can change everything
Thanks Bhooma

@Vanlora Light you still need to pick a dosing method which will let you know when to increase or decrease
Here is the link please read it
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

@Bandit's Mom
Click to expand...
Also why are people saying not to use the freestyle lite strips with the Alphatrak I'm curious?
 
Vanlora Light said:
When do people normally increase the insulin dose?
Click to expand...
You need to pick a dosing method which will tell you when you need to increase or decrease
Like I mentioned before you need to be testing more for both cycles
Here is the link please read it
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/
Also you need to stick with one meter either the human meter or the alpha trak
I'm going to tag Bhooma again so you can let her know which one you will be using the contour next or are you staying with the alpha trak so she can color code the correct one in your SS
@Bandit's Mom let her know which meter you will be using
 
Last edited:
Vanlora Light said:
Damn today I took a curve with the alphatrak+ Freestyle lite test strips. Mainly bc it shows the mmol and I thought it was going to be closer to the "real" results(alphatrak). I'm not sure if he had a hypo event some days ago and now he is bouncing still or.. When do people normally increase the insulin dose? Also his numbers are highly affected by the food he eats, he had whiskas before that I can't get anymore where I am, now he is getting Wellfed, this good quality raw low carb kind of food and he has high glucose ugh why.
Click to expand...
@tiffmaxee

@Bron and Sheba (GA)

@Wendy&Neko
 
Vanlora Light said:
Also his numbers are highly affected by the food he eats, he had whiskas before that I can't get anymore where I am, now he is getting Wellfed, this good quality raw low carb kind of food and he has high glucose ugh why.
Click to expand...
This is the list of low carb foods available in the UK and most of EU. Maybe you can find some of them in Greece. We do have members in Greece feeding low carb wet food.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1J5JpMe6TDXrHq_aTl9hUtHy6Gs9oRBqlz4nPGKxtySA/pubhtml

I can tag @Melita & Chnoudi she lives in Greece maybe she has some low carb food suggestions. She hasn't been on much though
 
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Vanlora Light said:
Also why are people saying not to use the freestyle lite strips with the Alphatrak I'm curious?
Click to expand...
For safety of the cat. Even though they may "work", there have been no studies to show they are accurate. The manufacturer, when one of us contacted them about this, said there was no guarantee this would work. Personally I'd rather use test strips that the manufacturer said would work in my meter.
 
I'll stick with the contour next then for now. I wanna test with the AT and FS strips today last time and then tmr I'll start the contour next again.
I've been taking samples with both meters to see where he is at with his glucose.
Also ill be going back to Finland soon, so then I'll have the usual low carb food he had been getting before Greece.
I'll read more about the dosing methods to see which one is better for us.
 
Vanlora Light said:
I'll stick with the contour next then for now. I wanna test with the AT and FS strips today last time and then tmr I'll start the contour next again.
I've been taking samples with both meters to see where he is at with his glucose.
Also ill be going back to Finland soon, so then I'll have the usual low carb food he had been getting before Greece.
I'll read more about the dosing methods to see which one is better for us.
Click to expand...


@Chris & China (GA)
Hi Chris I saw you replied to @Vanlora Light on the previous post and said
If you get a human meter, send me a private message on Facebook (or here) and I'll help you with the changes you'd need on your spreadsheet. I spend a lot more time on Facebook so that's the easiest place to get in touch with me.

She has been switching back and forth with the Alpha Trak using the freestyle lite test strips and the Contour Next human meter

@Vanlora Light
Can you please choose a dosing method ,you also need to be testing more after the PMPS
Do me a favor after you read what someone has told you can you please hit the like work so we know that you saw it , it's to the right of everyone's post Thanks

If @Chris & China (GA) is busy on the Facebook group I would or message her like she said


https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

Previous post Chris
Previous post
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/is-it-okay-to-increase-the-dose.264780/#post-2965048

Edit I see you tested this morning with the Alpha Trak 6-29 I thought you said you would be using the human meter from now on? Post #20
You need to stick with one meter
@Vanlora Light
No tests after PMPS?
I've tried helping as much as I can
 
Last edited:
@Vanlora Light I'm still happy to help you with your spreadsheet but please stop worrying yourself about the differences in the meters. All those 100's are blue whether your spreadsheet is the AlphaTrak one or the human one. There's only 1 place where there's any difference and that's the dark green and lime green.

The dark green cuts off at 68 on the Alpha Trak because that meter reads a little higher than human meters (but only 17 points higher at the low "take action" number). On the human meter, the "take action" number is below 50.

The lime green is for the numbers that are getting into the worry zone...where we want to give them some higher carb food to nudge them back up to the dark green or blue. Below 68 on the AT, below 50 on the human.

All the other colors are the exact same 100-199 are blue, 200-299 are yellow, 300-399 are pink, etc....no matter which meter you use.

It IS important for you to start getting at least 1 "before bed" test on the PM cycle though. Most cats go lower at night so it really is important to make sure Missy isn't dropping too fast or too far. We sure don't want you to wake up to a tragedy because she went too low overnight!

Again, you can contact me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chris.ronkoski and I'll help you adjust your spreadsheet.
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
@Chris & China (GA)
Hi Chris I saw you replied to @Vanlora Light on the previous post and said
If you get a human meter, send me a private message on Facebook (or here) and I'll help you with the changes you'd need on your spreadsheet. I spend a lot more time on Facebook so that's the easiest place to get in touch with me.

She has been switching back and forth with the Alpha Trak using the freestyle lite test strips and the Contour Next human meter

@Vanlora Light
Can you please choose a dosing method ,you also need to be testing more after the PMPS
Do me a favor after you read what someone has told you can you please hit the like work so we know that you saw it , it's to the right of everyone's post Thanks

If @Chris & China (GA) is busy on the Facebook group I would or message her like she said


https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

Previous post Chris
Previous post
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/is-it-okay-to-increase-the-dose.264780/#post-2965048

Edit I see you tested this morning with the Alpha Trak 6-29 I thought you said you would be using the human meter from now on? Post #20
You need to stick with one meter
@Vanlora Light
No tests after PMPS?
I've tried helping as much as I can
Click to expand...
I've been using the contour next at least 28th and today 29th all have been with the contour next, I also take the AT and freestyle strips glucose numbers extra(they are mentioned in my "comments" Section on my spreadsheet.
Today +4 he got 90mg/dl.
 
I've decided to use go slow dosing method, I'll stick to this one for now. I'll have to read more about it bc it's so hard to remember all the rules.
 
Chris & China (GA) said:
@Vanlora Light I'm still happy to help you with your spreadsheet but please stop worrying yourself about the differences in the meters. All those 100's are blue whether your spreadsheet is the AlphaTrak one or the human one. There's only 1 place where there's any difference and that's the dark green and lime green.

The dark green cuts off at 68 on the Alpha Trak because that meter reads a little higher than human meters (but only 17 points higher at the low "take action" number). On the human meter, the "take action" number is below 50.

The lime green is for the numbers that are getting into the worry zone...where we want to give them some higher carb food to nudge them back up to the dark green or blue. Below 68 on the AT, below 50 on the human.

All the other colors are the exact same 100-199 are blue, 200-299 are yellow, 300-399 are pink, etc....no matter which meter you use.

It IS important for you to start getting at least 1 "before bed" test on the PM cycle though. Most cats go lower at night so it really is important to make sure Missy isn't dropping too fast or too far. We sure don't want you to wake up to a tragedy because she went too low overnight!

Again, you can contact me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chris.ronkoski and I'll help you adjust your spreadsheet.
Click to expand...
I've sent u a message on Facebook:)
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
@Chris & China (GA)
Hi Chris I saw you replied to @Vanlora Light on the previous post and said
If you get a human meter, send me a private message on Facebook (or here) and I'll help you with the changes you'd need on your spreadsheet. I spend a lot more time on Facebook so that's the easiest place to get in touch with me.

She has been switching back and forth with the Alpha Trak using the freestyle lite test strips and the Contour Next human meter

@Vanlora Light
Can you please choose a dosing method ,you also need to be testing more after the PMPS
Do me a favor after you read what someone has told you can you please hit the like work so we know that you saw it , it's to the right of everyone's post Thanks

If @Chris & China (GA) is busy on the Facebook group I would or message her like she said


https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/

Previous post Chris
Previous post
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/is-it-okay-to-increase-the-dose.264780/#post-2965048

Edit I see you tested this morning with the Alpha Trak 6-29 I thought you said you would be using the human meter from now on? Post #20
You need to stick with one meter
@Vanlora Light
No tests after PMPS?
I've tried helping as much as I can
Click to expand...

Also about the PMPS I see some people testing all night, how many after PMPS is required to take? When I've taken it its been usually +2, is it enough to show how he is going to be the whole night?
 
Vanlora Light said:
I've decided to use go slow dosing method, I'll stick to this one for now. I'll have to read more about it bc it's so hard to remember all the rules.
Click to expand...
OK can you add the SLGS to your signature it's important members know
Tap on your name up top, then tap signature add SLGS and tap Save, also is you are sticking with the Contour Next add that also and the date you started using it

SLGS
Hold the dose for at least a week:
  • Unless your cat won’t eat or you suspect hypoglycemia
  • Unless your kitty falls below 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L). If kitty falls below 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L) decrease the dose by 0.25 unit immediately.
After 1 week at a given dose perform a 12 hour curve, testing every 2 hours OR perform an 18 hour curve, testing every 3 hours. Note: Random spot checks are often helpful to "fill in the blanks" on kitty's spreadsheet. The goal is to learn how low the current dose is dropping kitty prior to making dose adjustments.
  • If nadirs are more than 150 mg/dl (8.3 mmol/L), increase the dose by 0.25 unit
  • If nadirs are between 90 (5 mmol/L) and 149 mg/dl (8.2 mmol/L), maintain the same dose
  • If nadirs are below 90 mg/dl (5mmol/L), decrease the dose by 0.25 unit
Part of that process is getting a feel for basic concepts:
  • Onset - the length of time before insulin reaches the bloodstream & begins lowering blood glucose
  • Peak/Nadir - the lowest point in the cycle
  • Duration - the length of time insulin continues to lower blood glucose
Many people on Lantus find that getting a +2 can be an early indication of how the cycle may go. If it is significantly lower, it means you'll need to continue to monitor , but if the +2 is higher than preshot, it usually means that you can take a break from testing.

You might want to bookmark this page or print it out

I noticed on your spreadsheet you have up top Diagnosed Nov 2021(the date you joined)
But on your signature you have Diagnosed April 1st, 2021
If it's April can you please go and fix it on your spreadsheet
 
Last edited:
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
OK can you add the SLGS to your signature it's important members know
Tap on your name up top, then tap signature add SLGS and tap Save, also is you are sticking with the Contour Next add that also and the date you started using it

SLGS
Hold the dose for at least a week:
  • Unless your cat won’t eat or you suspect hypoglycemia
  • Unless your kitty falls below 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L). If kitty falls below 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L) decrease the dose by 0.25 unit immediately.
After 1 week at a given dose perform a 12 hour curve, testing every 2 hours OR perform an 18 hour curve, testing every 3 hours. Note: Random spot checks are often helpful to "fill in the blanks" on kitty's spreadsheet. The goal is to learn how low the current dose is dropping kitty prior to making dose adjustments.
  • If nadirs are more than 150 mg/dl (8.3 mmol/L), increase the dose by 0.25 unit
  • If nadirs are between 90 (5 mmol/L) and 149 mg/dl (8.2 mmol/L), maintain the same dose
  • If nadirs are below 90 mg/dl (5mmol/L), decrease the dose by 0.25 unit
Part of that process is getting a feel for basic concepts:
  • Onset - the length of time before insulin reaches the bloodstream & begins lowering blood glucose
  • Peak/Nadir - the lowest point in the cycle
  • Duration - the length of time insulin continues to lower blood glucose
Many people on Lantus find that getting a +2 can be an early indication of how the cycle may go. If it is significantly lower, it means you'll need to continue to monitor , but if the +2 is higher than preshot, it usually means that you can take a break from testing.

You might want to bookmark this page or print it out

I noticed on your spreadsheet you have up top Diagnosed Nov 2021(the date you joined)
But on your signature you have Diagnosed April 1st, 2021
If it's April can you please go and fix it on your spreadsheet
Click to expand...
I'll try to edit the spreadsheet on my phone, I don't have a computer available. He was diagnosed in April yes.
 
@Vanlora Light
Hi happened to look at your SS and see you are following SLGS you should have reduced by 0.25 units since Missy has dropped below 90 a couple of times
You haven't been testing after AMPS since 7-14 and after PMPS even longer?
You need to be testing much more

Here is what it says about SLGS
Hold the dose for at least a week:
  • Unless your cat won’t eat or you suspect hypoglycemia
  • Unless your kitty falls below 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L). If kitty falls below 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L) decrease the dose by 0.25 unit immediately.
After 1 week at a given dose perform a 12 hour curve, testing every 2 hours OR perform an 18 hour curve, testing every 3 hours. Note: Random spot checks are often helpful to "fill in the blanks" on kitty's spreadsheet. The goal is to learn how low the current dose is dropping kitty prior to making dose adjustments.
 
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