Recommended Glucose Monitor - Toronto, CAN

[Tabi's Dad]

Is there a recommended Glucose Monitor I can purchase in Toronto for Tabi? I called my local pharmacy and they have the Accu-Chek which is free if I buy strips for $120 + taxes.

He has always been prone to seizures (since he was 2, he's 11 now) which we could never figure out why...he had one at 3AM EST and I'm not sure if it was because of hypoglycemia or a "regular" seizure. He's acting his normal silly / affectionate self, walking, eating, jumping the bed as of now.

He ate and I didn't give him his shot, just incase he is hypoglycemic.

I would take him to his vet, but my finances are drained from his vet bills last month / paying rent.

Thank you.

 

[CORKY]

Do you have a Walmart or Walgreens pharmacy in

Is there a recommended Glucose Monitor I can purchase in Toronto for Tabi? I called my local pharmacy and they have the Accu-Chek which is free if I buy strips for $120 + taxes.

He has always been prone to seizures (since he was 2, he's 11 now) which we could never figure out why...he had one at 3AM EST and I'm not sure if it was because of hypoglycemia or a "regular" seizure. He's acting his normal silly / affectionate self, walking, eating, jumping the bed as of now.

He ate and I didn't give him his shot, just incase he is hypoglycemic.

I would take him to his vet, but my finances are drained from his vet bills last month / paying rent.

Thank you.

Is there a recommended Glucose Monitor I can purchase in Toronto for Tabi? I called my local pharmacy and they have the Accu-Chek which is free if I buy strips for $120 + taxes.

He has always been prone to seizures (since he was 2, he's 11 now) which we could never figure out why...he had one at 3AM EST and I'm not sure if it was because of hypoglycemia or a "regular" seizure. He's acting his normal silly / affectionate self, walking, eating, jumping the bed as of now.

He ate and I didn't give him his shot, just incase he is hypoglycemic.

I would take him to his vet, but my finances are drained from his vet bills last month / paying rent.

Thank you.

Do you have Walmart.com online purchase? you can purchase a ReliOn Premier monitor for less than $15.00 and the strips online are $9.00 for 50 strips or $17.99 for 100
I use it and is very accurate quite a lot of members use it. There's also a Foundation that has been helping me with syringes, and strips called D.C.I.N. you might want to give them a hale,<please, no personal emails on posts>. For DCIN, go to their websitel, you might be able to get assistance at least on supplies and prescribed medications, my Corky could have not made without this Foundation or this Forum, Best to you and your beautiful Tabi

 

[Tabi's Dad]

Do you have a Walmart or Walgreens pharmacy in


Do you have Walmart.com online purchase? you can purchase a ReliOn Premier monitor for less than $15.00 and the strips online are $9.00 for 50 strips or $17.99 for 100
I use it and is very accurate quite a lot of members use it. There's also a Foundation that has been helping me with syringes, and strips called D.C.I.N. you might want to give them a hale,r the person that can help you to see if you qualify and fill out the form is <email addy removed for safety> you might be able to get assistance at least on supplies and prescribed medications, my Corky could have not made without this Foundation or this Forum, Best to you and your beautiful Tabi

Hi Corky's mom I have a Walmart but I'm in Canada and I don't think they sell ReliOn here. The pharmacy down the street sells 100 strips for $120 + taxes which is close to $140 for 100 strips and they'll give me a free Accu-Chek monitor...I can buy it, but it's seems a bit of a pricey device to choose for monitoring. I'm not sure if the Foundation could help me as I'm in Toronto, Canada, thank you for the info though! Best to you as well and your cutie Corky!

 

[CORKY]

Hi Corky's mom I have a Walmart but I'm in Canada and I don't think they sell ReliOn here. The pharmacy down the street sells 100 strips for $120 + taxes which is close to $140 for 100 strips and they'll give me a free Accu-Chek monitor...I can buy it, but it's seems a bit of a pricey device to choose for monitoring. I'm not sure if the Foundation could help me as I'm in Toronto, Canada, thank you for the info though! Best to you as well and your cutie Corky!

It does not hurt to try, the Vet and supplies will sponge you dry! I know, I am in a fixed income $ Corky spent 8 days hospitalized when he was diagnosed and almost $9,000.00 later I was left penniless, thank God, Corky only has diabetes and if you look at his Spreadsheet, I am obsessed with testing him and he's meals, with the help with this Forum I have not had to take him once to the Vet since he left the hospital he is very healthy and no other illnesses, as it is I buy him lots and lots of different Fancy Feast Pate food with more than 0-4% carbs and I switch litter, buying the Pretty Litter and I also have another cat female 4 years old half Main Coon, that alone takes whatever is left from my Retirement, is not easy for me but I have everything I need especially my cats they are my therapy companions, I adopted Corky when he was 8 weeks old he is now 11, and Coco was only 38 days, she still suckles on my arm at night time, they are my babies and i know how frustrated you must feel with uncertainties, but stick with this Forum for any concerns, they are always here for us

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Relion meters are not sold in Canada.

What you want is a meter whose strips are reasonably priced and need just a small drop of blood. We have other Canadian members who have used the AccuChec or the Contour. The Freestyle Lite needs the smallest drop of blood. And sometimes comes with a free meter if you buy 100 strips. In BC, the 100 pack of the Freestyle Lite strips is currently $74.99 at one store and meter is $39.99. So the total cost is less than the "deal" you were offered. The most important thing is getting cheaper test strips cause you'll go through lots of those. You also want to easily be able to get more test strips if you are running out.

There are a couple of cheaper on line options, though buying on line means you have to buy more in advance so you don't run out. The Bravo meter and test strips is $31.49 at Diabetes Express (click on the blue to get the link). Bravo test strips are only sold on line. Diabetes Express also has a buy 100 Freestyle Lite strips deal ($79.83) and get a meter for free deal on now. Or a free meter when you buy 100 Contour Next strips ($79.98). You could get one of those deals now and buy more test strips later at a local pharmacy.

Another options some people have chosen is to buy test strips on Ebay - you can sometimes get good deals there.

Some people in Ontario buy at Shoppers Drug Mart with points. I don't in BC because our Shoppers prices are higher than elsewhere and the points just brings the prices down to everyone else's price.

 

[CORKY]

Relion meters are not sold in Canada.

What you want is a meter whose strips are reasonably priced and need just a small drop of blood. We have other Canadian members who have used the AccuChec or the Contour. The Freestyle Lite needs the smallest drop of blood. And sometimes comes with a free meter if you buy 100 strips. In BC, the 100 pack of the Freestyle Lite strips is currently $74.99 at one store and meter is $39.99. So the total cost is less than the "deal" you were offered. The most important thing is getting cheaper test strips cause you'll go through lots of those. You also want to easily be able to get more test strips if you are running out.

There are a couple of cheaper on line options, though buying on line means you have to buy more in advance so you don't run out. The Bravo meter and test strips is $31.49 at Diabetes Express (click on the blue to get the link). Bravo test strips are only sold on line. Diabetes Express also has a buy 100 Freestyle Lite strips deal ($79.83) and get a meter for free deal on now. Or a free meter when you buy 100 Contour Next strips ($79.98). You could get one of those deals now and buy more test strips later at a local pharmacy.

Another options some people have chosen is to buy test strips on Ebay - you can sometimes get good deals there.

Some people in Ontario buy at Shoppers Drug Mart with points. I don't in BC because our Shoppers prices are higher than elsewhere and the points just brings the prices down to everyone else's price.

I will tag some of the long time experts on your concern so they can guide you best
@Suzanne & Darcy @Red & Rover

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I will tag some of the long time experts on your concern so they can guide you best
@Suzanne & Darcy @Red & Rover

Suzanne does not live in Canada. I do. @Red & Rover (GA) lives in Ontario, (not Toronto) so may have some local knowledge about best pharmacies to buy meters.

DCIN does help some people in Canada. Tagging @Chris & China (GA) who is involved with them.

 

[CORKY]

Suzanne does not live in Canada. I do. @Red & Rover (GA) lives in Ontario, (not Toronto) so may have some local knowledge about best pharmacies to buy meters.

DCIN does help some people in Canada. Tagging @Chris & China (GA) who is involved with them.

Glad I can be of some help

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

You may contact DCIN and fill out our application by going to our website. We have two programs, one for people who just need help with the "getting started" expenses and another, our Compassionate Assistance Program, for people who qualify as low income.

I encourage you to apply ASAP.

The Bravo is the most affordable meter in Canada. The big problem is that they are only available online. I usually suggest buying 400 strips (meter is free) and when you open your last box, it's time to order again so if there are shipping delays, you have enough to get through until they get there.

We have a lot of members who use the Freestyle meter and pay about $75/100 strips. If you qualify for the CAP, we will try to help with the expense of the strips.

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

I'm out of the loop when it comes to cost these days. I haven't had a diabetic cat in a long time.
If memory serves me correctly, one of the Canadian case managers for DCIN lives just north of the 6ix.

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

The Bravo

The Bravo requires a large drop of blood (0.6).

 

[Tabi's Dad]

It does not hurt to try, the Vet and supplies will sponge you dry! I know, I am in a fixed income $ Corky spent 8 days hospitalized when he was diagnosed and almost $9,000.00 later I was left penniless, thank God, Corky only has diabetes and if you look at his Spreadsheet, I am obsessed with testing him and he's meals, with the help with this Forum I have not had to take him once to the Vet since he left the hospital he is very healthy and no other illnesses, as it is I buy him lots and lots of different Fancy Feast Pate food with more than 0-4% carbs and I switch litter, buying the Pretty Litter and I also have another cat female 4 years old half Main Coon, that alone takes whatever is left from my Retirement, is not easy for me but I have everything I need especially my cats they are my therapy companions, I adopted Corky when he was 8 weeks old he is now 11, and Coco was only 38 days, she still suckles on my arm at night time, they are my babies and i know how frustrated you must feel with uncertainties, but stick with this Forum for any concerns, they are always here for us

Thank you for help Corky's mom. Tabi was in the hospital for 2 nights in 2021 for pneumonia and it was $4000, I can't imagine $9000...I'm glad Corky is doing well. I will take a look at your spreadsheet and try to learn from it. I work with spreadsheets everyday, so at least I have something I am familiar with. Tabi likes being held (he demands it), he likes to lie across your chest and purr in your ear. Loves being pet all over, especially the belly. He's never scratched or bitten me (well unless catnip is involved). I called my vet for his glucose and ketone numbers, but I guess they forgot to get back to me...In the end you're the one who cares most about your cat(s). I'm prepared to stick it out and give it my best shot to get Tabi back into good health again.

 

[Tabi's Dad]

Relion meters are not sold in Canada.

What you want is a meter whose strips are reasonably priced and need just a small drop of blood. We have other Canadian members who have used the AccuChec or the Contour. The Freestyle Lite needs the smallest drop of blood. And sometimes comes with a free meter if you buy 100 strips. In BC, the 100 pack of the Freestyle Lite strips is currently $74.99 at one store and meter is $39.99. So the total cost is less than the "deal" you were offered. The most important thing is getting cheaper test strips cause you'll go through lots of those. You also want to easily be able to get more test strips if you are running out.

There are a couple of cheaper on line options, though buying on line means you have to buy more in advance so you don't run out. The Bravo meter and test strips is $31.49 at Diabetes Express (click on the blue to get the link). Bravo test strips are only sold on line. Diabetes Express also has a buy 100 Freestyle Lite strips deal ($79.83) and get a meter for free deal on now. Or a free meter when you buy 100 Contour Next strips ($79.98). You could get one of those deals now and buy more test strips later at a local pharmacy.

Another options some people have chosen is to buy test strips on Ebay - you can sometimes get good deals there.

Some people in Ontario buy at Shoppers Drug Mart with points. I don't in BC because our Shoppers prices are higher than elsewhere and the points just brings the prices down to everyone else's price.

Thank you. This info helped a lot. I checked my PC Optimum points and I have $70 (70000) points to redeem. Plus there is a spend 50000 points, get $65 off promotion right now at Shoppers Drug Mart. I've called around and the Shoppers down the street has the Freestyle Lite line in stock. The pharmacist said if I buy 100 strips, I get the Freestyle Lite monitor for free. I also see on eBay you can purchase 100 Freestyle Lite strips for about $50 CDN with shipping from Australia of all places. Also I see the Freestyle Lite only requires 0.3 units of blood compare to 0.6 units that other testers require. Thanks again.

 

[Tabi's Dad]

You may contact DCIN and fill out our application by going to our website. We have two programs, one for people who just need help with the "getting started" expenses and another, our Compassionate Assistance Program, for people who qualify as low income.

I encourage you to apply ASAP.

The Bravo is the most affordable meter in Canada. The big problem is that they are only available online. I usually suggest buying 400 strips (meter is free) and when you open your last box, it's time to order again so if there are shipping delays, you have enough to get through until they get there.

We have a lot of members who use the Freestyle meter and pay about $75/100 strips. If you qualify for the CAP, we will try to help with the expense of the strips.

Thank you for this info. I'm not sure I quality as low income, I just live and work in Toronto, where cost of living is pretty high. I'll just have to pinch pennies for the next few months to recover from the vet bills. I would just have to really scrape around if I required another expensive vet visit though. Once again thank you for the info.

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

And in the future, if you have a senior handy (parent/friend/neighbour), you can take advantage of senior's day at Shoppers - 20% off regular priced merch.
Waving from the Kawarthas.

 

[Tabi's Dad]

The Bravo requires a large drop of blood (0.6).

Thank you for letting me know this. I will be going to Shopper's Drug Mart to get the Freestyle Lite with my Optimum points. The small 0.3 unit of blood draw the Freestyle Lite seems like it will make things easier.

Shopper's has a spend "X" amount of PC Optimum points, get "$X" amount off. In my case it'll be spend 50000 points ($50) get $65 off, which will cover the 100 pack of strips, get a free Freestyle Lite tester and should cover the lancer.

 

[Tabi's Dad]

And in the future, if you have a senior handy (parent/friend/neighbour), you can take advantage of senior's day at Shoppers - 20% off regular priced merch.
Waving from the Kawarthas.

Hmmm. My dad just turned 65, I wonder if I could stack his 20% off with the promo I'm going to do That would be something.
Waving from a very crowded Toronto.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

There's also a Foundation that has been helping me with syringes, and strips called D.C.I.N.

Just a bit of correction here. DCIN is not a "foundation". Using that word generally causes people to think we're a huge organization with lots of support. That couldn't be further from the truth. We are a registered charity that depends on donations to survive and right now, we are barely keeping our heads above water. We are over $10,000 in the red and may have to shut down the CAP program to new applicants soon since we can't keep operating on a deficit.

 

[Tabi's Dad]

Just a bit of correction here. DCIN is not a "foundation". Using that word generally causes people to think we're a huge organization with lots of support. That couldn't be further from the truth. We are a registered charity that depends on donations to survive and right now, we are barely keeping our heads above water. We are over $10,000 in the red and may have to shut down the CAP program to new applicants soon since we can't keep operating on a deficit.

Whoa I first read that as $100 in the red...In any event thank you for work that you do

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Whoa I first read that as $100 in the red.

We wish!! That would be great!

Thank you! We try! We absolutely hate having to turn anybody away. We consider every cat we help as we would if it were one of our own.