Beside myself

[Jill & Jade]

I’m sitting here waiting to take my sweet Jade in for her first vet stay and insulin start up. I’m so upset about this diagnosis. Her behavior is normal and I’m having a hard time understanding how that can be so. I’ve been reading so many posts here that I can’t help but think this next hour before I take her in will be her best. She hates being restrained in any way and I’m so worried that this ordeal is going to change her into a scared cat.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Welcome! We all understand how frightened you are after this diagnosis. Let us know after your vet visit how it went, what insulin you'll be using and what dose has been prescribed. We have lots of tips and tricks to help and I guarantee that you'll become an old hand a lot faster than you think.

 

[Jill & Jade]

Thank you!! I'm just sitting here crying like a fool and trying so hard to not stress her out with my stress. I already have the Insulin pen and the doc will show me how to use it this evening.I believe the dose is just 1 drop (the lowest possible on the pen)
I just gave her a small dose of a mild sedative because she also freaks out when she goes in the carrier and to the vet...I think I may have to take the other half of the pill for myself!!

 

[Jill & Jade]

My biggest fear is hypoglycemia. Reading about it gave me heart palpitations.

 

[FurBabiesMama]

Hi. I hope the vet visit goes well.. maybe it will not be as bad as you expect.

If you start testing her glucose levels at home, you will not have to go through the stressful vet visits for them to check. Also, when you are testing, you know what is going on, so that takes a way a lot of the stress from just wondering and hoping the glucose levels are okay. It can help prevent hypoglycemia that can happen when the insulin dose is raised too high/fast. Also, it allows you to see if the glucose level is getting lower than it should so that you can take action to counteract it so that it does not turn into a scary situation.

 

[Jill & Jade]

Thank you.

 

[Veronica & Babu-chiri]

Hang in there, is not as bad as it sounds at the beginning, after a few tries home testing gets easy, and if anything the bond between both of you gets stronger, and once his blood glucose levels go back to normal or almost normal and he starts feeling well again he will go back to being his old self

 

[Jill & Jade]

Thank you! One of the things that makes this worse is that she has always been fine. No symptoms whatsoever. Found this by chance through a blood test for something else. The doctor is saying that the urine strips are sufficient but by all that I’ve read here, that sounds incorrect.

 

[Idjit's mom]

Welcome. It does get better, as other members have said. We were all new at one time, most of us rather dismayed. You will find so much of value on this board. I have a link to new member information at the end of my signature (grey print under my post) if you want to start there.

 

[Tracey&Jones (GA)]

I already have the Insulin pen and the doc will show me how to use it this evening.I believe the dose is just 1 drop (the lowest possible on the pen)

I am making a leap that you have a Lantus pen and that would be 1 unit of insulin.

We are here to help and we all started in the same emotional spot you are. It does get easier as you go.

 

[Veronica & Babu-chiri]

Thank you! One of the things that makes this worse is that she has always been fine. No symptoms whatsoever. Found this by chance through a blood test for something else. The doctor is saying that the urine strips are sufficient but by all that I’ve read here, that sounds incorrect.

The urine strips help you get an idea that his values have been high for a few hours at least since it requires for him to have had around 180 or more (it is not an exact value ) for glucose to appear in the urine, but you don't really know how high he is at the moment or if his values are low now because of the insulin effect but one thing urine strips do help with is monitoring ketones so they are very useful

For actually monitoring his blood glucose there's no other way than a blood test and testing at home is the best way because you don't have to take him to the vet that usually stresses them a lot (is cheaper also) so is more accurate and you can test him when you need to, allowing you to know what's going on and how he's responding to the insulin on every day not just when you are at the vet

 

[Jill & Jade]

Thank you...any recommendations on which blood test kits to order? I'm on Amazon and am getting overwhelmed. Again. I left the vets office ( and my fur baby) a bit ago and feel like **** for having to leave her there for 9 hours. I called to see how she took her first dose and they said she's doing good. And yes, the Insulin pen is going to be set at one unit, I believe. It's helpful to know I'm not the only one with the concerns I have about her quality of life going down the tubes if sees going to be terrified of me on a daily basis. I don't know if I could handle that guilt. The vet tech says to stop reading these message boards, but I don't think thats a good idea.

 

[Jill & Jade]

The urine strips help you get an idea that his values have been high for a few hours at least since it requires for him to have had around 180 or more (it is not an exact value ) for glucose to appear in the urine, but you don't really know how high he is at the moment or if his values are low now because of the insulin effect but one thing urine strips do help with is monitoring ketones so they are very useful

For actually monitoring his blood glucose there's no other way than a blood test and testing at home is the best way because you don't have to take him to the vet that usually stresses them a lot (is cheaper also) so is more accurate and you can test him when you need to, allowing you to know what's going on and how he's responding to the insulin on every day not just when you are at the vet

Welcome. It does get better, as other members have said. We were all new at one time, most of us rather dismayed. You will find so much of value on this board. I have a link to new member information at the end of my signature (grey print under my post) if you want to start there.

Thank You!

 

[Amanda and a Loudogg]

Thank you...any recommendations on which blood test kits to order? I'm on Amazon and am getting overwhelmed. Again. I left the vets office ( and my fur baby) a bit ago and feel like **** for having to leave her there for 9 hours. I called to see how she took her first dose and they said she's doing good. And yes, the Insulin pen is going to be set at one unit, I believe. It's helpful to know I'm not the only one with the concerns I have about her quality of life going down the tubes if sees going to be terrified of me on a daily basis. I don't know if I could handle that guilt. The vet tech says to stop reading these message boards, but I don't think thats a good idea.

A lot of folks here use the Relion Micro or Confirm meters from Walmart. Both the meters and the strips are really cheap (I think you can get 100 strips for $17-18). Most choose these meters because they use the smallest amount of blood. I personally use a Contour Next meter for no other reason than I was able to get one for free from work. I buy my strips in bulk off of eBay. I know also some people use the AlphaTrak meter, which is calibrated for use with pets. The "problem" with that meter is it is much more expensive for the meter and the strips are about $1/strip. You can also only buy that online. The nice thing about an AlphaTrak is your numbers will more closely match those your vet gets. You don't actually need a pet-calibrated meter to monitor your kitty's blood glucose at home, so most of use just use a human meter. Just do what is easiest for you. Once you start hometesting, there would be absolutely no reason for you to have to bring your kitty to the vet for glucose curves. You could do them at home, which is great because they'd be much more accurate.

Just breathe. We've all been where you are and trust me when I say it DOES get easier. My buddy Lou and I are closer than ever and I remember crying in the beginning thinking he would hate me. As a matter of fact, you could tell when he started feeling better on the insulin that he seemed to understand that what I was doing was helping him feel better. He's still my darling boy; he's just extra sweet and requires a bit more time and effort from me.

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

Jill, first HUGS! We all remember being handed that same note - diabetes. We all freaked out, we all cried, we all googled, we landed here! Suddenly we're surrounded with people that 'get it'. Diabetes isn't a death sentence and you'll be very surprised by your kitty's reaction after a couple of weeks. Ones that said 'Oh mine will NEVER let me test' - su ddenly post 'WE DID IT!'. Just like dancing, you will learn the steps - you'll step on each others toes, you'll stumble...then suddenly the dance will fall in place. It's not hard, it's just different.

See this sweet 17 year old man kitty, Dakota? He's been diabetic for 9 years - insulin twice daily and literally thousands of tests over the years.



See this ear? It's had over 8000 tests done over the years...



HUGS! You CAN do this!!!

 

[Jill & Jade]

Jill, first HUGS! We all remember being handed that same note - diabetes. We all freaked out, we all cried, we all googled, we landed here! Suddenly we're surrounded with people that 'get it'. Diabetes isn't a death sentence and you'll be very surprised by your kitty's reaction after a couple of weeks. Ones that said 'Oh mine will NEVER let me test' - su ddenly post 'WE DID IT!'. Just like dancing, you will learn the steps - you'll step on each others toes, you'll stumble...then suddenly the dance will fall in place. It's not hard, it's just different.

See this sweet 17 year old man kitty, Dakota? He's been diabetic for 9 years - insulin twice daily and literally thousands of tests over the years.

View attachment 36487

See this ear? It's had over 8000 tests done over the years...

View attachment 36488

HUGS! You CAN do this!!!

A million thank you's ! What Brand of testing products do you use?? I'm scared of getting the wrong one. Don't know if I should get human or cat ones?

 

[Jill & Jade]

A lot of folks here use the Relion Micro or Confirm meters from Walmart. Both the meters and the strips are really cheap (I think you can get 100 strips for $17-18). Most choose these meters because they use the smallest amount of blood. I personally use a Contour Next meter for no other reason than I was able to get one for free from work. I buy my strips in bulk off of eBay. I know also some people use the AlphaTrak meter, which is calibrated for use with pets. The "problem" with that meter is it is much more expensive for the meter and the strips are about $1/strip. You can also only buy that online. The nice thing about an AlphaTrak is your numbers will more closely match those your vet gets. You don't actually need a pet-calibrated meter to monitor your kitty's blood glucose at home, so most of use just use a human meter. Just do what is easiest for you. Once you start hometesting, there would be absolutely no reason for you to have to bring your kitty to the vet for glucose curves. You could do them at home, which is great because they'd be much more accurate.

Just breathe. We've all been where you are and trust me when I say it DOES get easier. My buddy Lou and I are closer than ever and I remember crying in the beginning thinking he would hate me. As a matter of fact, you could tell when he started feeling better on the insulin that he seemed to understand that what I was doing was helping him feel better. He's still my darling boy; he's just extra sweet and requires a bit more time and effort from me.

Thank You. I just ordered the Relion Cofirm kit from Walmart!

 

[Jill & Jade]

A million thank you's ! What Brand of testing products do you use?? I'm scared of getting the wrong one. Don't know if I should get human or cat ones?

I just ordered the Relion kit from Walmart....I hope that was a good choice. Fingers crossed!

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Welcome! Jade is very cute! How old is she?

Thank you! One of the things that makes this worse is that she has always been fine. No symptoms whatsoever. Found this by chance through a blood test for something else. The doctor is saying that the urine strips are sufficient but by all that I’ve read here, that sounds incorrect.

Was this a fructosamine test (gives a summary of glucose levels over the previous weeks), or just a single blood glucose test? Do you remember the number? It sounds like they are doing a glucose curve today-- be sure to ask for those numbers (not just their conclusion about dose or whatever), it will be helpful to have the info. As others have said, being at the vet can inflate BGs a bit, but it's still good to know how she responded to the dose there.

Another thing to ask the vet about when you go to pick Jade up is using syringes with the Lantus pen. We have found that cats do well with dose changes in very small increments (as small as 0.25U). Can't do those small increments using the pen needles, but it's easy enough to just poke a regular insulin syringe into the top of the pen, so that's what we do. If you look around, it should be possible to find the right syringes (U-100 3/10mL, with half-unit markings), but in some states you need a separate prescription for syringes, so double-check if you'll need one.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

I just ordered the Relion kit from Walmart....I hope that was a good choice. Fingers crossed!

Yes, good choice! Very popular here on FDMB.

 

[Veronica & Babu-chiri]

Most of us use human meters, they work just fine and the strips are cheaper just make sure it uses the tiniest drop is easier for you

Really don't worry so much about him not liking you they get used to the testing (I think they even enjoy the special attention) and you actually bond more with them

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Can you verify for us what insulin you'll be using? Is it Lantus? The advice we give will depend on the insulin you use.

 

[alexthecat]

Thank You. I just ordered the Relion Cofirm kit from Walmart!

That's a good meter. I almost had a meltdown in Walmart when I went shopping for a meter. It seemed so overwhelming and confusing. There were so many options and I didn't know what anything meant. I had to go sit on a bench and calm down. I may also have picked out a pint of ice cream for myself. I bought a Relion glucometer too and I'm very happy with it now.

 

[Veronica & Babu-chiri]

And yes, the Insulin pen is going to be set at one unit

Is best if you don't use the pen's dosing mechanism is complicated and it only doses in whole units and you will need to dose in0.25u You can use it as a mini vial with a syringe (ask for the one's with half unit marks)

 

[Jill & Jade]

Can you verify for us what insulin you'll be using? Is it Lantus? The advice we give will depend on the insulin you use.

yes, thats what it is

 

[Kris & Teasel]

yes, thats what it is

Thanks! Very good insulin for cats. I agree with the advice about getting syringes to use in place of the pen's needle mechanism. I can guarantee that you'll need to be able to measure out fractions of dose units.

 

[Jill & Jade]

Welcome! Jade is very cute! How old is she?



Was this a fructosamine test (gives a summary of glucose levels over the previous weeks), or just a single blood glucose test? Do you remember the number? It sounds like they are doing a glucose curve today-- be sure to ask for those numbers (not just their conclusion about dose or whatever), it will be helpful to have the info. As others have said, being at the vet can inflate BGs a bit, but it's still good to know how she responded to the dose there.

Another thing to ask the vet about when you go to pick Jade up is using syringes with the Lantus pen. We have found that cats do well with dose changes in very small increments (as small as 0.25U). Can't do those small increments using the pen needles, but it's easy enough to just poke a regular insulin syringe into the top of the pen, so that's what we do. If you look around, it should be possible to find the right syringes (U-100 3/10mL, with half-unit markings), but in some states you need a separate prescription for syringes, so double-check if you'll need one.

Hi! Yes, its the fructosamine test. This is all so confusing to me!

 

[Jill & Jade]

Hi! Yes, its the fructosamine test. This is all so confusing to me!

ok! Thank you!!

 

[Jill & Jade]

Hi! Yes, its the fructosamine test. This is all so confusing to me!

HI! Thank you! Jade is between 12-13 years old. She's a beauty!

 

[Veronica & Babu-chiri]

Hi! Yes, its the fructosamine test. This is all so confusing to me!

It was quite confusing for all of us at the beginning, but we can help you and we really really understand you we've been there.

Once you catch your breath there is a lot of information on the Lantus insulin you will be using, that is going to help you down the road, here's a link to the Lantus information and forum where there's a lot of very experienced people, and keep asking

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-glargine-levemir-detemir.9/

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Hi! Yes, its the fructosamine test. This is all so confusing to me!

Ah, good. I worry sometimes in the other situation, when it's just a single BG number taken at the vet-- we've seen cats diagnosed as "diabetic" when really, they were just stressed out at the vet! But, a high fructosamine number does indicate that there has been elevated BG for at least a few weeks. It's good that there aren't any other symptoms, though. It might mean that you caught it very early!

 

[Jill & Jade]

Ive been advised to stop reading these as I have hyperventilated already today...I'm concerned that my vet is going to tell me that the pre-insulin tests aren't a must but everything I'm reading here say that they are. More confusion.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

I'm concerned that my vet is going to tell me that the pre-insulin tests aren't a must but everything I'm reading here say that they are. More confusion.

If this were a child, would your pediatrician tell you to give insulin without knowing your child's blood glucose? NO....if they did, you'd be looking for another doctor!!

Our furkids depend on us to do what's best for them...they are no different to most of us here than any other "child".

Cat can and do go into remission. The pancreas can heal and start working at any time. Without knowing what your cat's blood glucose is, it's not safe to blindly give insulin. Even what seems to be a low dose (like 1 unit) can be too much. We have cats here on 1/2 unit, .25 unit and even .1 unit.

Home testing puts YOU in control....If your cat's BG is low, you can intervene by feeding a higher carb food or giving a little Karo/honey/syrup.

Home testing also lets you know how well your cat is responding to treatment and if they need a little more (or less) insulin to keep them safe and give them the best chance at remission.

You CAN do this. China and I have been dancing for over 5 years and we're still going strong.

Take one step at a time....soon you'll be dancing as well as the rest of us

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Take a step back. Breathe. It is all very overwhelming at first, but you can do this!

Right now, it's all a lot of unknowns and things you haven't done before (shots, testing, etc.), but I guarantee, once you start chipping away at them you will feel better. And in particular, Chris is right about the testing-- you will feel like you are much more in control of the situation. We're here to help you along every step of the way.

Is Jade back from the vet yet? How did she do?

 

[Idjit's mom]

Jill, this message board saved Idjit. Here, I learned to change his diet, how important it is to test before shooting, how to test and shoot. These members walked me through a hypo, held my hand and helped me help my fur kid. Idjit went into re mission before I actually knew he was doing it, these fantastic people instructed me and I am so grateful. In the end, you are going to decide how to handle Jade's treatment. I got better information and instruction here than from my vet, because they know it and live it.

 

[Jill & Jade]

Take a step back. Breathe. It is all very overwhelming at first, but you can do this!

Right now, it's all a lot of unknowns and things you haven't done before (shots, testing, etc.), but I guarantee, once you start chipping away at them you will feel better. And in particular, Chris is right about the testing-- you will feel like you are much more in control of the situation. We're here to help you along every step of the way.

Is Jade back from the vet yet? How did she do?

Hi. I think I’d feel better home testing as well. And who knows, maybe my doctor will suggest it . I get to pick her up at 9pm. I’ve called several times throughout the day and they say she is doing quite well. It’s not the insulin injections that scare me. It’s the BG ear pokes that are giving me an enormous amount of anxiety. And the thought of her thinking I’m hurting her. Not to mention these spread sheets I’ve looked at that you guys keep might as well be in Chinese . I just don’t understand any of it.

 

[Jill & Jade]

The amount of support on this site is quite touching. Thank you all.

 

[alexthecat]

It’s not the insulin injections that scare me. It’s the BG ear pokes that are giving me an enormous amount of anxiety. And the thought of her thinking I’m hurting her.

I was so worried about that too. I'll admit that I don't love blood tests, but it's important to keep our kitties safe.

I tested my own blood before I ever tested Cleo's. Then I ate the pint of ice cream that somehow landed in my basket while I was at Wal-Mart, buying the glucometer, and tested my blood again. From this, I learned how to use the meter, I learned that I'm probably not diabetic, I learned that blood tests don't hurt. Try it yourself.

 

[Jill & Jade]

I was so worried about that too. I'll admit that I don't love blood tests, but it's important to keep our kitties safe.

I tested my own blood before I ever tested Cleo's. Then I ate the pint of ice cream that somehow landed in my basket while I was at Wal-Mart, buying the glucometer, and tested my blood again. From this, I learned how to use the meter, I learned that I'm probably not diabetic, I learned that blood tests don't hurt. Try it yourself.

That made me chuckle. Thank you for that! I needed it!

 

[Idjit's mom]

Someone can help you set up the spreadsheet, you just enter the BG numbers. I didn't want to hurt Idjit's ears either, it's actually a tiny poke, you press the area after you get the drop, use a bit of pain relief ointment, and give a reward. They, and you, get used to it. All kinds of tips here, and so important.

 

[alexthecat]

There's a lot of humor in all this, if you know where to look for it. Cleo gets a treat, an insulin injection, and another treat. This morning, she was looking for her second treat before I'd even given her the injection. She's blind, so "looking" means walking in circles and sniffing. I just had to laugh because we must have looked so funny. Her wandering in circles and me crawling after her with a syringe.

 

[Jill & Jade]

Someone can help you set up the spreadsheet, you just enter the BG numbers. I didn't want to hurt Idjit's ears either, it's actually a tiny poke, you press the area after you get the drop, use a bit of pain relief ointment, and give a reward. They, and you, get used to it. All kinds of tips here, and so important.

I really hope Jades doctor agrees. If not, I’ll feel very conflicted and confused.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

I really hope Jades doctor agrees. If not, I’ll feel very conflicted and confused.

You won't be the first….or the last. Most vets won't bring up home testing at all. Some think that people will choose to euthanize if they suggest too much stuff too quickly so they don't bring it up, even if they agree with it.

Others actively discourage it saying stupid things like "you'll ruin the relationship with your cat". Nothing could be further from the truth. The relationship you build with your sugarcat will be closer than you could even imagine right now. We all think we love our pets as much as we possibly can...but there IS an even closer bond that you'll develop.

Unfortunately, vets don't get much education when it comes to diabetes. They only receive 5 hours of diabetes education when they're in school....and that covers both dogs and cats. Once they're in practice, no vet has the time to stay up to date on the latest treatments for every disease in every type of animal they see. They wouldn't have the time to see any patients if they tried! The people here live and breathe this disease 24/7/365. They know what works because they've already tried it.

As for hurting your kitty by testing, you won't be!! Most cats object to having their ears fooled with, but they can be conditioned to accept it (and most actually end up loving it!...Really!!) The Lord knew what he was doing when He built the cat too. The edges of the ears where we test have very few pain receptors. Have you ever had (or known) a tomcat? They are always getting into fights and the ears tend to take the worst of it most of the time.

We have lots of tips and tricks to help you, but the hardest part for most people is to trust some crazy cat ladies on the internet over their vet. After all, they're supposed to be the doctor, right? We all wish it worked that way!!

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

It’s the BG ear pokes that are giving me an enormous amount of anxiety.

We know what you're imagining, we did too, but that's not it at all!!! A cat doesn't have the nerves in their ears that humans have. You're not hurting her when using the outside inner edge of the ear. She may jump at first but it's new...she's got to learn this too.

Testing at home

Share a grin, those of us that deal with difficult vets are good at the 'smile, nod pretending to agree then go home and do it our way' thing. Even if your vet says not to, you don't have to have your vet's permission to test! Testing police won't come drag you away...

HUGS again...

 

[JanetNJ]

Ive been advised to stop reading these as I have hyperventilated already today...I'm concerned that my vet is going to tell me that the pre-insulin tests aren't a must but everything I'm reading here say that they are. More confusion.

It's your cat. It's not up to the vet how often you test. I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home. I always test before insulin, and then at least one mid cycle test. On weekends and days off I try to get a day time mud cycle test as well.

 

[Jill & Jade]

You won't be the first….or the last. Most vets won't bring up home testing at all. Some think that people will choose to euthanize if they suggest too much stuff too quickly so they don't bring it up, even if they agree with it.

Others actively discourage it saying stupid things like "you'll ruin the relationship with your cat". Nothing could be further from the truth. The relationship you build with your sugarcat will be closer than you could even imagine right now. We all think we love our pets as much as we possibly can...but there IS an even closer bond that you'll develop.

Unfortunately, vets don't get much education when it comes to diabetes. They only receive 5 hours of diabetes education when they're in school....and that covers both dogs and cats. Once they're in practice, no vet has the time to stay up to date on the latest treatments for every disease in every type of animal they see. They wouldn't have the time to see any patients if they tried! The people here live and breathe this disease 24/7/365. They know what works because they've already tried it.

As for hurting your kitty by testing, you won't be!! Most cats object to having their ears fooled with, but they can be conditioned to accept it (and most actually end up loving it!...Really!!) The Lord knew what he was doing when He built the cat too. The edges of the ears where we test have very few pain receptors. Have you ever had (or known) a tomcat? They are always getting into fights and the ears tend to take the worst of it most of the time.

We have lots of tips and tricks to help you, but the hardest part for most people is to trust some crazy cat ladies on the internet over their vet. After all, they're supposed to be the doctor, right? We all wish it worked that way!!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

 

[felicia__nicole]

Hi Jill. This board is super helpful. I haven't posted much as my kitty went into remission shortly after starting my account (yay!), but they got me though my first hypoglycemia scare and everyone here is wonderful. I saw you posted about being nervous about the BG tests and I wanted to let you know that there are other options for testing beside the ear. I usually test on the paw pad. I have done the ear, and still do from time-to-time, but my boy responds better to the paw pad prick, and I find it easier to get blood this way. If you are having problems in the ear you may want to try the paw pad.

 

[Jill & Jade]

Hi Jill. This board is super helpful. I haven't posted much as my kitty went into remission shortly after starting my account (yay!), but they got me though my first hypoglycemia scare and everyone here is wonderful. I saw you posted about being nervous about the BG tests and I wanted to let you know that there are other options for testing beside the ear. I usually test on the paw pad. I have done the ear, and still do from time-to-time, but my boy responds better to the paw pad prick, and I find it easier to get blood this way. If you are having problems in the ear you may want to try the paw pad.

Thank you!

 

[Kris & Teasel]

I can tell you that early on in my FD journey with my cat when I was doing curves for my vet at home periodically I dreaded those days because of the ear pokes. My cat is very cooperative but I felt anxious and worried about hurting him. Once I came to FDMB and began testing multiple times a day all that anxiety fell away and it's now such a commonplace activity that I don't give it a second thought. All I have to do is call my cat for test time and he comes willingly. There are before and after treats involved of course!

 

[Jill & Jade]

Thanks for that! As of now, they sent me home with just the urine test strips. I'm really really hoping that this is an accurate enough system they have in place for her.I gave her the first insulin shot while she was eating when I brought her home and it went without any issues. I was so worried about that!