AlphaTrak 2 discontinued | forced upgrade to AT3 | thoughts on PetTest glucometer to use instead?

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Deric Smith

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Hello everyone,

It's been a while since I last posted. My cat Boo was diagnosed with CKD and diabetes in September 2022. Initially, the vet recommended a renal diet, but I chose to feed him Carnilove instead, which is a high-protein, low-phosphorus, zero-carb diet (Carnilove Cat Pouch Multipack). Boo responded remarkably well to this diet—so much so that in February of this year, the vet took him off insulin.

However, about a month later, Boo's health took a sudden turn for the worse, with his CKD and diabetes both deteriorating. We've had to restart his insulin injections. Unfortunately, my partner is now following the vet’s prescribed diet to the letter, which is frustrating because it seems likely to keep Boo dependent on insulin too.

Anyway, the reason for my post is, I've recently discovered that AlphaTrak 2 test strips have been discontinued, and I haven’t been able to verify if Freestyle Lite strips are as accurate as I ran out of AT 2 test strips before I could perform comparison tests to show my vet. My vet meanwhile insists on using AlphaTrak, but I have no intention of upgrading to AlphaTrak 3. It's frustrating that Zoetis hasn’t made their new test strips backward compatible with older models. This disease has already drained us financially, but we’re not going to be cornered into buying their upgrade. I am really cross that Zoetis have put customers into this position and I will never purchase another Zoetis product again because of this underhand bullying practice.

Has anyone here used the PetTest glucometer (https://shoppettest.com/pettest-meter-kit/) ? My vet says she can’t endorse it and hasn’t offered any alternatives aside from upgrading to the AT3, which costs £150. The PetTest glucometer and strips seem to be far better value for money. I will also just purchase a generic 28G lancet pack to reduce costs further. I'm worried though as my vet seems sceptical of this brand. Therefore, I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences you can share.

Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:
Deric Smith said:
Hello everyone,

It's been a while since I last posted. My cat Boo was diagnosed with CKD and diabetes in September 2022. Initially, the vet recommended a renal diet, but I chose to feed him Carnilove instead, which is a high-protein, low-phosphorus, zero-carb diet (Carnilove Cat Pouch Multipack). Boo responded remarkably well to this diet—so much so that in February of this year, the vet took
Hi, Most of us use the ReliOn Premier Human meter and strips, economical, and very accurate simple, inexpensive and accurate, also below there is a link of the Drs Food Chart recommended, you can adhere to your discretion and needs, low carbs is always a must with diabetic cats between 0-10%, I personally use Fancy Feast, I am sure from the list

However, about a month later, Boo's health took a sudden turn for the worse, with his CKD and diabetes both deteriorating. We've had to restart his insulin injections. Unfortunately, my partner is now following the vet’s prescribed diet to the letter, which is frustrating because it seems likely to keep Boo dependent on insulin too.

Anyway, the reason for my post is, I've recently discovered that AlphaTrak 2 test strips have been discontinued, and I haven’t been able to verify if Freestyle Lite strips are as accurate as I ran out of AT 2 test strips before I could perform comparison tests to show my vet. My vet meanwhile insists on using AlphaTrak, but I have no intention of upgrading to AlphaTrak 3. It's frustrating that Zoetis hasn’t made their new test strips backward compatible with older models. This disease has already drained us financially, but we’re not going to be cornered into buying their upgrade. I am really cross that Zoetis have put customers into this position and I will never purchase another Zoetis product again because of this underhand bullying practice.

Has anyone here used the PetTest glucometer (https://shoppettest.com/pettest-meter-kit/) ? My vet says she can’t endorse it and hasn’t offered any alternatives aside from upgrading to the AT3, which costs £150. The PetTest glucometer and strips seem to be far better value for money. I will also just purchase a generic 28G lancet pack to reduce costs further. I'm worried though as my vet seems sceptical of this brand. Therefore, I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences you can share.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Hi, Most of us use the ReliOn Premier Human meter and strips, economical, and very accurate simple, inexpensive and accurate, also below there is a link of the Drs Food Chart recommended, you can adhere to your discretion and needs, low carbs is always a must with diabetic cats between 0-10%, I personally use Fancy Feast, I am sure from the list, prescribed Vets foods are not always ideal that contain as much if not more carbs then, then non- prescribed, Salesman introduce these foods to Vets, in turn Vets make a commission, there was a Lawsuit against selling these food as prescribed you can get better results looking into THE CHART link and finding the best that suits your baby and area, Vets are not very familiar either with diabetes is cats, it is not the same as in dogs, therefore that tends to throw your cat into high or low insulin levels and glucose numbers, Welcome to the Forum, ask as many questions as you need, no matter how insignificant it may be, I am sure the experts in this Forum can help guide you along, I am not an expert in this Forum, but a long time member, and I can tell you this Forum saved my Corky's life and still is, I trust their judgement for anything, adjusting insulin, what to do, when and they are always there. :bighug::cat::cat:

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/dr-pierson-new-food-chart.174147/
 
CORKY said:
below there is a link of the Drs Food Chart recommended
Click to expand...
Thank you Corky for your excellent recommendation re food. I have actually seen this chart before. Although Carnilove is not on the list (which I suspect is because it may not be available in the US?) I found it was excellent. Boo was not at all hungry when on this. On the renal diet he never seems full. I would be keen to stick with Carnilove, unfortunately though my partner does not agree. I do concur with your thoughts on vet prescribed foods though. They aren't always the best. I agree that there is a monetary element to this which is why vets recommend it and neglect to tell customers about their kickbacks. Unfortunately whenever I try to bring this up with the other half, she just thinks I am buying into "conspiracy theories"! :( :banghead:

CORKY said:
Most of us use the ReliOn Premier Human meter and strips, economical, and very accurate simple, inexpensive and accurate
Click to expand...
Thank you too Corky for your feedback on meters. Unfortunately ReliOn is not a brand available for purchase here in the UK. As mentioned my vet seems to want me to purchase a meter calibrated for cats which was why I was asking about PetTest. I do intend to move onto using human meters and strips at some point but I want to first be able to perform comparison tests between a reliable pet meter and a calibrated human meter so that I can show my vet that the reading gleaned from the less expensive human meter is just as accurate. We are not there yet though... which is why I am hoping to get some information from others on the PetTest meter if possible.

For now, given my partner's interest in following the vet's advice on food, I cannot rock that boat any further. Therefore, just want to tackle one battle at a time. First the meter question. I'd be interested to hear any comments or feedback on the PetTest glucometer and how it compares to the AlphaTrak device.

:cat:
 
Deric Smith said:
Thank you Corky for your excellent recommendation re food. I have actually seen this chart before. Although Carnilove is not on the list (which I suspect is because it may not be available in the US?) I found it was excellent. Boo was not at all hungry when on this. On the renal diet he never seems full. I would be keen to stick with Carnilove, unfortunately though my partner does not agree. I do concur with your thoughts on vet prescribed foods though. They aren't always the best. I agree that there is a monetary element to this which is why vets recommend it and neglect to tell customers about their kickbacks. Unfortunately whenever I try to bring this up with the other half, she just thinks I am buying into "conspiracy theories"! :( :banghead:


Thank you too Corky for your feedback on meters. Unfortunately ReliOn is not a brand available for purchase here in the UK. As mentioned my vet seems to want me to purchase a meter calibrated for cats which was why I was asking about PetTest. I do intend to move onto using human meters and strips at some point but I want to first be able to perform comparison tests between a reliable pet meter and a calibrated human meter so that I can show my vet that the reading gleaned from the less expensive human meter is just as accurate. We are not there yet though... which is why I am hoping to get some information from others on the PetTest meter if possible.

For now, given my partner's interest in following the vet's advice on food, I cannot rock that boat any further. Therefore, just want to tackle one battle at a time. First the meter question. I'd be interested to hear any comments or feedback on the PetTest glucometer and how it compares to the AlphaTrak device.

:cat:
Click to expand...
Deric Smith said:
Thank you Corky for your excellent recommendation re food. I have actually seen this chart before. Although Carnilove is not on the list (which I suspect is because it may not be available in the US?) I found it was excellent. Boo was not at all hungry when on this. On the renal diet he never seems full. I would be keen to stick with Carnilove, unfortunately though my partner does not agree. I do concur with your thoughts on vet prescribed foods though. They aren't always the best. I agree that there is a monetary element to this which is why vets recommend it and neglect to tell customers about their kickbacks. Unfortunately whenever I try to bring this up with the other half, she just thinks I am buying into "conspiracy theories"! :( :banghead:


Thank you too Corky for your feedback on meters. Unfortunately ReliOn is not a brand available for purchase here in the UK. As mentioned my vet seems to want me to purchase a meter calibrated for cats which was why I was asking about PetTest. I do intend to move onto using human meters and strips at some point but I want to first be able to perform comparison tests between a reliable pet meter and a calibrated human meter so that I can show my vet that the reading gleaned from the less expensive human meter is just as accurate. We are not there yet though... which is why I am hoping to get some information from others on the PetTest meter if possible.

For now, given my partner's interest in following the vet's advice on food, I cannot rock that boat any further. Therefore, just want to tackle one battle at a time. First the meter question. I'd be interested to hear any comments or feedback on the PetTest glucometer and how it compares to the AlphaTrak device. In this Forum on the market n page there are many tips on any questions you may have, like which mere is best, how to and so forth, as well as a subject of nutrition for diabetic cats and you may also google the lawsuit against Vet and “supposed prescribed foods”, they make commission selling “pushing “ these foods no different than the ones commercially store bought, you’re just paying for the label, you can also call the manufacturer and ask the ingredient such as carbs in the food you are buying, but then again I don’t want to cause other half an argument I will tag as well a couple of expert to help you out on that meter question:bighug::bighug::cat::cat:
Bron and Sheba (GA)
Sienna &Gabby (GA)

:cat:
Click to expand...
 
Deric Smith said:
Hello everyone,

It's been a while since I last posted. My cat Boo was diagnosed with CKD and diabetes in September 2022. Initially, the vet recommended a renal diet, but I chose to feed him Carnilove instead, which is a high-protein, low-phosphorus, zero-carb diet (Carnilove Cat Pouch Multipack). Boo responded remarkably well to this diet—so much so that in February of this year, the vet took him off insulin.
I just noticed you are in the UK, the web sites recommended, are not good for you, but you can try any other Pet web site in your area or google the food and where:bighug::bighug::cat::cat:;)

However, about a month later, Boo's health took a sudden turn for the worse, with his CKD and diabetes both deteriorating. We've had to restart his insulin injections. Unfortunately, my partner is now following the vet’s prescribed diet to the letter, which is frustrating because it seems likely to keep Boo dependent on insulin too.

Anyway, the reason for my post is, I've recently discovered that AlphaTrak 2 test strips have been discontinued, and I haven’t been able to verify if Freestyle Lite strips are as accurate as I ran out of AT 2 test strips before I could perform comparison tests to show my vet. My vet meanwhile insists on using AlphaTrak, but I have no intention of upgrading to AlphaTrak 3. It's frustrating that Zoetis hasn’t made their new test strips backward compatible with older models. This disease has already drained us financially, but we’re not going to be cornered into buying their upgrade. I am really cross that Zoetis have put customers into this position and I will never purchase another Zoetis product again because of this underhand bullying practice.

Has anyone here used the PetTest glucometer (https://shoppettest.com/pettest-meter-kit/) ? My vet says she can’t endorse it and hasn’t offered any alternatives aside from upgrading to the AT3, which costs £150. The PetTest glucometer and strips seem to be far better value for money. I will also just purchase a generic 28G lancet pack to reduce costs further. I'm worried though as my vet seems sceptical of this brand. Therefore, I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences you can share.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
 
I’ve heard of the PetTest meter but have never used it myself. Most of us use human meters and, although they have a slightly lower “normal” range for cats than do pet meters, they tend to be very reliable. However I certainly understand the preference of many veterinarians for pet meters—it’s what they are familiar with and believe to be most accurate (although most used human meters before pet meters hit the market, but I digress). Tagging one of our U.K. members for input: @Elizabeth and Bertie
 
@Elizabeth and Bertie Thank you so much for your comments. I am a bit nervous about purchasing this PetTest device without receiving endorsements from others who have used it. Has anyone actually used this PetTest device? What is your experience of it?
 
Deric Smith said:
@Elizabeth and Bertie Thank you so much for your comments. I am a bit nervous about purchasing this PetTest device without receiving endorsements from others who have used it. Has anyone actually used this PetTest device? What is your experience of it?
Click to expand...
Hi, I haven't personally used the PetTest (I use a human meter). But, the PetTest meter seems to be emerging as the most popular alternative (so far) to the Alphatrak (with other UK folks that I know of). I'm not 'aware' of any issues reported with it...
If you still have strips for the AT then you could try the PetTest alongside the AT and see if there is any significant difference. Some small difference is fine and is in fact to be expected with any two tests (even on the same meter). But, it 'might' give you a sense of whether the PetTest tends to trend higher or lower than your AT, or is broadly similar.

Just noticed that you mentioned the Freestyle Lite strips. My understanding (someone correct me if I'm wrong...) is that the Freestyle Lite and the AT are human and pet versions of the same meter. But, the strips used for the AT are batch tested and coded to allow for being used for cats and dogs. (So, the Freestyle Lite strips are not batch tested or coded for animals). While there are those who have used the Freestyle Lite strips in the AT, it is not recommended as accuracy cannot be guaranteed. And accuracy really matters, especially at lower numbers.

Another option - for those who like the style of the AT but find the price prohibitive - is to switch to a Freestyle Lite meter. (There are often a few for sale on eBay). But, it's a human meter...

I do understand that it can feel a bit of a challenge at first when changing to a different meter. Been there, done that... But the new meter will soon become your 'new normal'. ...And you will save money... :smuggrin:

Re the costs of diabetes, I'm just checking that you know that it 'might' be cheaper to order Prozinc online with a prescription from your vet... The cost will be the Prozinc + prescription cost + refrigerated delivery. You may not save much on one vial, but if the vet will prescribe 2 or 3 on the same prescription you may well save some money. Also, Prozinc potency 'often' (not always) lasts much longer than the package insert suggests, with some folks using it for quite a few months.
And any U40 syringes are fine with Prozinc, you don't need the brand name ones.


Eliz
 
I know the alphatrak is pricey. What I find interesting is at least on Chewy once the initial kit of either is bought (and the pet test kit is about half the cost of Alphatrak), the price difference between strips and control solution is still less for Pet Test but not as big a difference. I’ve found test strips for AT that rival the price of Pet Test on other sites if setting up a recurring order.
I understand you’re angry enough at AT to avoid their product but for others here’s something to consider if getting AT(and it may apply to other meters like pet test):
I noticed that once I bought a bottle of control solution and a vial of strips and some lancets it was less than $20 difference in price of an initial kit that contains all of those (and a lancing device I don’t use). The control solution will likely last until I’m supposed to open new bottle. My plan is when I need more control solution I’ll buy a new kit instead and have a backup meter (or will donate it to shelter). I get offers to take 10-20% off frequently from diabetic supply sites and pet sites so will try to buy with one of those.
I bought a centrivet meter to use for ketones but haven’t set it up yet —it’s also pricey. I like that I can check glucose and ketones on it depending on the strip (like I can do on the human Precision xtra I now use) so it will be nice to have an alternative should something happen to my AT, but I’ll probably keep testing w the AT for glucose and use the centrivet only for ketones (bc I set up both meters for first am test to make it fast enough to check both before cat gets tired of cooperating)
 
SmallestSparrow said:
I know the alphatrak is pricey. What I find interesting is at least on Chewy once the initial kit of either is bought (and the pet test kit is about half the cost of Alphatrak), the price difference between strips and control solution is still less for Pet Test but not as big a difference. I’ve found test strips for AT that rival the price of Pet Test on other sites if setting up a recurring order.
I understand you’re angry enough at AT to avoid their product but for others here’s something to consider if getting AT(and it may apply to other meters like pet test):
I noticed that once I bought a bottle of control solution and a vial of strips and some lancets it was less than $20 difference in price of an initial kit that contains all of those (and a lancing device I don’t use). The control solution will likely last until I’m supposed to open new bottle. My plan is when I need more control solution I’ll buy a new kit instead and have a backup meter (or will donate it to shelter). I get offers to take 10-20% off frequently from diabetic supply sites and pet sites so will try to buy with one of those.
I bought a centrivet meter to use for ketones but haven’t set it up yet —it’s also pricey. I like that I can check glucose and ketones on it depending on the strip (like I can do on the human Precision xtra I now use) so it will be nice to have an alternative should something happen to my AT, but I’ll probably keep testing w the AT for glucose and use the centrivet only for ketones (bc I set up both meters for first am test to make it fast enough to check both before cat gets tired of cooperating)
Click to expand...

The majority of members, we use a human glucometer and strips, example I use the ReliON Premier meter and strips, extremely inexpensive and reliable, you can purchase it at Walmart.com for $19.00 and the strips are $9.00 for 50mor $17.99 for 100:bighug::bighug::cat::cat:
 
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