AUSTRALIAN glucometer recommendation?

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Missy & Jazz

Member Since 2013
Hi everyone,

I am completely new to all this but this forum/website seems like such a wonderful resource, I can see already!
Apologies if this question has already been covered elsewhere, but I didn't find anything and I'm really keen to get some up to date info specific to Australia (and diabetic CATS, not people!!).

If anyone can help, thank you so much in advance!

My 17 yo cat has just been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (95% sure, still waiting on final fructosamine assay results).
I am starting her on appropriate high protein/low carbs wet food, and she will likely have to have the 2 shots of insulin per day (Glargine aka. Lantus).

I want to monitor her blood glucose level closely at home (vet is completely supportive of this too), and just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for glucometers please?

I am wanting something as pain free as possible of course, looking at the 0.3 ul sample size ones, and something that has quick read time and is reasonably small and light. Money is really tight, but I would rather pay extra $$ for the meter itself if the strips are a little less.
Can anyone suggest some good, reliable, accurate brands/models with reasonably priced strips please?

I have been able to source syringes and insulin (exactly as prescribed by the vet) much cheaper than what they quoted me at the vet (thank goodness!) from human medical supply places. The food is a bit pricey (going with Hill's prescription diet m/d canned food at the moment), but I will just have to deal with it (will possibly look into a different brand in the future, but I am more concerned with getting everything up and running first). She is underweight, so I really hope she will put on some weight with the proper food combined with insulin treatment (not that she hasn't been having 'good quality proper cat food' though!! it's just a dry one, not for diabetics).
She also has osteoarthritis and will be having 2 capsules daily to manage that (Tremadole/Gapintin custom compound - spelling probably wrong though).

If anyone could give me some ideas please, that would be awesome! I am also going to ask my diabetic grandfather for his thoughts on meters.
Any suggestions or experience sharing really appreciated! Thank you all so much :)
 
There is a sticky in the Insulin Support Group forum for Lantus that has a link to specific meters for various countries, Australia included. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=18139


There is a ton of other good information in this sticky so I would recommend you look it over.

Food recommendations
for diabetic cat friendly foods in Australia check vyktors profile. I'm not sure if I've updated yet (posting from my phone can't check ) to say that woolworths select brand in the little plastic tubs not the tins is also ok.
Click to expand...

I copied this from Vyktors profile on the foods:
Food
Brand Name: Ziwipeak Formula: Lamb is his favourite but is also given the venison Consistancy: Canned

Also Whiskas (loaf varieties only), Natures Gift and occasionally (because all formulas contain fish) Ultimates (not the one with rice) and Woolworths Select (in the plastic tubs only) Amount fed per meal: Variable Number of meals/day: Free fed

How is food given in relation to the insulin shots? No plan in place We use Janet and Binky(GA)'s foodcharts: No, the charts aren't useful for Australia

Other information about Vyktor's diet: He is offered a tsp or two of raw chicken following each blood test and insulin injections. Total food intake per day averages around 350 grams
Click to expand...

Member GraceandAngie are from Sydney, Australia. Angie went OTJ recently.

Hope this helps. Ask more questions when you need to.
 
Thank you both so much for your replies and the links, Elizabeth & Bertie and Deb & Wink. Much appreciated.

I have gone through a lot of the information (all very helpful, thank you!) and feel a somewhat better informed now.
I will print off some of the docs linked to and keep copies on hand, and will show/discuss with my vet too. Thank you to those who found/created them!

I've been asking around re: glucometers, and the Freestyle Optium has been recommended (by a human diabetic) - does anyone have any experience in using that model for cats? Do you think it's a good choice or would you recommend others?

I'm also looking at the Accu Cheks... still investigating! I want to have something purchased before the final test results come through and the insulin dosage is prescribed, so I can be as prepared as possible, and also be able to take it to the vet to show her and discuss its use.

Thanks again for your help! :)
 
Hi Missy & Jazz, I'm also in Australia and new to this. Wondering if you found a good glucometer? I need to get one tomorrow to do DeNiro's first curve testing on Wednesday.
 
the optium is an excellent meter and the one I would recommend, it can also test for ketones. whatever you do DO NOT get the freeystyle lite many of us have experienced serious problems with that one reading lower when in higher numbers. shop around for the best price on strips there is a massive variance in price. ring around for the cheapest price and then see if somewhere convenient will match it. I was astonished to find out that the shelf price is not the real price. you may be able to get an even better deal via diabetic humans u know using their discount. there's really no need to spend so much on food either. I see others have already posted vyktor's food choices for u some of which are pretty cheap.

welcome aboard and what a bonus for you that you have a supportive vet! if u look in the tech forum u will find a post about setting up a spreadsheet to record your test results - u want the world version. your vet will love it, it is stored in Google docs so your vet will be able to access it anytime. sorry I would post the link but I'm on my phone and can't do it.

good luck with getting the testing started. let us know how u go :smile:
 
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