Freestyle libre meter

[SuziRider]

Freestyle Libre Readings:
1. Scanning with a phone may be difficult. I found a NFC 'Pay' app was sometimes causing a conflict, despite never ever being used. Libre Reader works fine but can't send the Log to the Vet. Vet needs a 8-16 digit LibreView Account Number for you to send them the logs from the App. A screenshot might also work in a pinch.
2. Blood glucose is different than the interstitial fluid glucose (glycogen?) around the cells. Abott says there is a 1-3 hour lag time before it gets to the dermis cells, and the meter Reader tracks trends. The Libre Reader gives warnings to take a manual BLOOD glucose test for current levels IF the glucose levels are trending towards way too low (hypo) or too high.
3. Patterns and trends are important to follow since most long-acting insulin peaks 3-7 (avg 5) hours after injection. One has to know how the cat's food, sleep ('intermittent fasting'), and activity affects those levels, and plan accordingly.
4. A Low Glycemic wet food diet helps with controlling diabetes. Chewy dot com now has that as a filter choice when selecting foods. I just found they also need an 'and/or' filter, since right now (2020) clicking on extra choices (like 'organic') just expands choices, and does not narrow them. :-(
There are good carbs and bad carbs. ANY carbs should be *nutritious* natural colorful vegetable-sourced ones, such as pumpkin or spinach; & Basically anything a mouse or rabbit (a cat's natural prey) might eat, and not 'empty' fiber fillers such as cellulose (sawdust), nor refined or GMO grain flours. A little extra Chromium and trace vanadium also helps reduce diabetes, per Dr. Joel Wallach, DVM, ND, who used to formulate animal and zoo feeds for a living.

'Good' carbs carry the vitamins and nutrition into the cells, like a Trojan horse, and then they can help rebuild the cells and natural immune system. A strong immune system fights off chronic diseases and cancer; that is it's job. So 'low carb', thus also cutting out the needed natural carbs, is not as good for the health as Low Glycemic.
I bring this up here since food choices (incl. supplements and (junk food) "treats') can affect glucose readings and remissions/flare-ups from diabetes, and should be noted in the tracking logs, along with the amount and time of any insulin injections. Within a few weeks you and your vet should be able to recognize patterns & figure out what works best for your cat.

 

[Dusty & Roe]

I never put one on myself either although I think I might have been able to. I DID remove quite a few, using adhesive remover carefully applied, repeatedly, to the edges of the sensor. I observed this done at the vet and learned there. I used a q-tip, repeatedly moistened with adhesive remover, and gently dabbed around the edges of the sensor. It sometimes took an hour to remove one.

Did your cats mark from the sensor look like this also ? I knew at the time she needed to wear the Libre but I have to admit I felt so bad seeing what the sensor and glue did to her skin not to down play the Libre I was taking her numbers every chance I had

 

[SuziRider]

Googling shows that a sensor (that lasts 10-14 days) is about $35 at Walmart. So if yo do a lot of testing then it is worth it, especially if you use AT strips.

June 2020: (2) Libre14 meter sensors for about $60+tax at Costco. Ask for the Costco Member discount for items not covered by insurance.

 

[SuziRider]

Where did you put the sensor? I've seen from lots of sites that it's a fairly long needle and I wonder about placement on lean cats.

The Vet put the meter on the middle of my 9 lb 12 yr old tabby cat, about 1" to the right of the spine (to the edge of the meter). She also used little dots of dermal adhesive to help it stick better. My laid-back cat doesn't even notice the meter; To her, it is not as bad as a safety collar with those annoying jingly things; Those quickly disappear!

 

[SuziRider]

Did your cats mark from the sensor look like this also ? I knew at the time she needed to wear the Libre but I have to admit I felt so bad seeing what the sensor and glue did to her skin not to down play the Libre I was taking her numbers every chance I had

Ouch! It looks like she had an allergic reaction to a skin adhesive that was used under the sensor, or it was torn off incorrectly. Try using coconut oil to heal the skin faster AND to gently remove the adhesive next time.

 

[SuziRider]

Hi My cat had the Libre put on at 8 lbs she was still wearing it when she was down to 6 lbs .
The sensor is supposed to last 14 days but rarely does I got about 8 days out of 1 sensor . Please keep in mind this is not suppose to be permanent it is up to the Vet how long to keep it on ALSO they use surgical glue to put the sensor on so let me show you the results of the removal too . I Never put it on myself I Always had the Vet do this .

'Surgical Glue' usually refers to sterile SuperGlue. There is a waterproof skin adhesive that is more like the kind used on 'Tough' Bandaids. They now also have large-ish circular bandaid-like 'covers' with no glue in the middle (so changing it wont pull out the meter) especially made for the quarter-sized Libre meters. They come in beige and various colors, plus a clear one. I found mine on Amazon. People have also used stretchy 'vet tape' wraps or sturdy 'Rock Tape' (or similar) to protect the meters.
Other websites do not recommend using the neck on cats for the quarter-sized Libre, since they can bend them around so much. Finding a spot where they won't chew or scratch at it is difficult.

My cat's is on the middle of her back, about an inch from her spine. She ignores it completely. My fear is that my cat will knock the meter off when she goes under the bed or couch. The stick-on cover should help prevent that.

I would attach pictures, but do not yet know how (Forum asks me for File Name, with no 'search gallery' option)

 

[Dusty & Roe]

Ouch! It looks like she had an allergic reaction to a skin adhesive that was used under the sensor, or it was torn off incorrectly. Try using coconut oil to heal the skin faster AND to gently remove the adhesive next time.

The Vet took it off due to COVID-19 I did not see how she took the sensor off but in the past she seemed to be pretty gentle. Let me tell you how much I dislike not being to go into a Vets office ahhhh

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I would like to suggest that further posts on this topic go to the Think Tank thread on the Libre. The current thread is very long -- longer than is useful for anyone on Health who may have a question about this meter to sift through.

I would prefer to not lock the thread so please direct your comments to the above linked post.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

'Surgical Glue' usually refers to sterile SuperGlue.

Not tue. tissue glue is a slightly different formulation since "super glue" tends to irritate the skin.
"Specific cyanoacrylates include methyl 2-cyanoacrylate (MCA), ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (ECA, commonly sold under trade names such as "Super Glue" and "Krazy Glue", or Toagosei), n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA), octyl cyanoacrylate and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (used in medical, veterinary and first aid applications). Octyl cyanoacrylate was developed to address toxicity concerns and to reduce skin irritation and allergic response. "
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanoacrylate

 

[Paul Krebs]

OMG i just found this page! My big boy has been diagnosed and been having some issues, i just ordered one of these, the freedom Libre, and i was looking for info on how to calibrate it for felines and if i had to "math" the results because he is a kitty and its for humans. Its getting put on tomorrow afternoon! My vet had never heard of it, and insights you guys could share would be much appreciated!.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Welcome to FDMB I cannot answer your question but there are others her who can
I suggest you start your own thread To get more "EYES" on your questions.
Again welcome to the best darn site to help you help your kitty!

 

[Paul Krebs]

Yeah, i figured id put it here because you guys are talking about the meter i had gotten. i read everything here and didnt see anything about how to use and interpret the results.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Yeah, i figured id put it here because you guys are talking about the meter i had gotten. i read everything here and didnt see anything about how to use and interpret the results.

Understood! This post will jump your thread to the top of the page.

 

[Lalkabee]

The Vet took it off due to COVID-19 I did not see how she took the sensor off but in the past she seemed to be pretty gentle. Let me tell you how much I dislike not being to go into a Vets office ahhhh

Hey...love you I dont think the Libre is a good device for cats tho. Never tryed it but i did compare human meter vs alphatrak and tested different strips in both.

 

[bgenick]

Freestyle Libre Readings:
1. Scanning with a phone may be difficult. I found a NFC 'Pay' app was sometimes causing a conflict, despite never ever being used. Libre Reader works fine but can't send the Log to the Vet. Vet needs a 8-16 digit LibreView Account Number for you to send them the logs from the App. A screenshot might also work in a pinch.
2. Blood glucose is different than the interstitial fluid glucose (glycogen?) around the cells. Abott says there is a 1-3 hour lag time before it gets to the dermis cells, and the meter Reader tracks trends. The Libre Reader gives warnings to take a manual BLOOD glucose test for current levels IF the glucose levels are trending towards way too low (hypo) or too high.
3. Patterns and trends are important to follow since most long-acting insulin peaks 3-7 (avg 5) hours after injection. One has to know how the cat's food, sleep ('intermittent fasting'), and activity affects those levels, and plan accordingly.
4. A Low Glycemic wet food diet helps with controlling diabetes. Chewy dot com now has that as a filter choice when selecting foods. I just found they also need an 'and/or' filter, since right now (2020) clicking on extra choices (like 'organic') just expands choices, and does not narrow them. :-(
There are good carbs and bad carbs. ANY carbs should be *nutritious* natural colorful vegetable-sourced ones, such as pumpkin or spinach; & Basically anything a mouse or rabbit (a cat's natural prey) might eat, and not 'empty' fiber fillers such as cellulose (sawdust), nor refined or GMO grain flours. A little extra Chromium and trace vanadium also helps reduce diabetes, per Dr. Joel Wallach, DVM, ND, who used to formulate animal and zoo feeds for a living.

'Good' carbs carry the vitamins and nutrition into the cells, like a Trojan horse, and then they can help rebuild the cells and natural immune system. A strong immune system fights off chronic diseases and cancer; that is it's job. So 'low carb', thus also cutting out the needed natural carbs, is not as good for the health as Low Glycemic.
I bring this up here since food choices (incl. supplements and (junk food) "treats') can affect glucose readings and remissions/flare-ups from diabetes, and should be noted in the tracking logs, along with the amount and time of any insulin injections. Within a few weeks you and your vet should be able to recognize patterns & figure out what works best for your cat.

 

[bgenick]

Freestyle Libre Readings:
1. Scanning with a phone may be difficult. I found a NFC 'Pay' app was sometimes causing a conflict, despite never ever being used. Libre Reader works fine but can't send the Log to the Vet. Vet needs a 8-16 digit LibreView Account Number for you to send them the logs from the App. A screenshot might also work in a pinch.
2. Blood glucose is different than the interstitial fluid glucose (glycogen?) around the cells. Abott says there is a 1-3 hour lag time before it gets to the dermis cells, and the meter Reader tracks trends. The Libre Reader gives warnings to take a manual BLOOD glucose test for current levels IF the glucose levels are trending towards way too low (hypo) or too high.
3. Patterns and trends are important to follow since most long-acting insulin peaks 3-7 (avg 5) hours after injection. One has to know how the cat's food, sleep ('intermittent fasting'), and activity affects those levels, and plan accordingly.
4. A Low Glycemic wet food diet helps with controlling diabetes. Chewy dot com now has that as a filter choice when selecting foods. I just found they also need an 'and/or' filter, since right now (2020) clicking on extra choices (like 'organic') just expands choices, and does not narrow them. :-(
There are good carbs and bad carbs. ANY carbs should be *nutritious* natural colorful vegetable-sourced ones, such as pumpkin or spinach; & Basically anything a mouse or rabbit (a cat's natural prey) might eat, and not 'empty' fiber fillers such as cellulose (sawdust), nor refined or GMO grain flours. A little extra Chromium and trace vanadium also helps reduce diabetes, per Dr. Joel Wallach, DVM, ND, who used to formulate animal and zoo feeds for a living.

'Good' carbs carry the vitamins and nutrition into the cells, like a Trojan horse, and then they can help rebuild the cells and natural immune system. A strong immune system fights off chronic diseases and cancer; that is it's job. So 'low carb', thus also cutting out the needed natural carbs, is not as good for the health as Low Glycemic.
I bring this up here since food choices (incl. supplements and (junk food) "treats') can affect glucose readings and remissions/flare-ups from diabetes, and should be noted in the tracking logs, along with the amount and time of any insulin injections. Within a few weeks you and your vet should be able to recognize patterns & figure out what works best for your cat.

 

[bgenick]

Freestyle Libre Readings:
1. Scanning with a phone may be difficult. I found a NFC 'Pay' app was sometimes causing a conflict, despite never ever being used. Libre Reader works fine but can't send the Log to the Vet. Vet needs a 8-16 digit LibreView Account Number for you to send them the logs from the App. A screenshot might also work in a pinch.
2. Blood glucose is different than the interstitial fluid glucose (glycogen?) around the cells. Abott says there is a 1-3 hour lag time before it gets to the dermis cells, and the meter Reader tracks trends. The Libre Reader gives warnings to take a manual BLOOD glucose test for current levels IF the glucose levels are trending towards way too low (hypo) or too high.
3. Patterns and trends are important to follow since most long-acting insulin peaks 3-7 (avg 5) hours after injection. One has to know how the cat's food, sleep ('intermittent fasting'), and activity affects those levels, and plan accordingly.
4. A Low Glycemic wet food diet helps with controlling diabetes. Chewy dot com now has that as a filter choice when selecting foods. I just found they also need an 'and/or' filter, since right now (2020) clicking on extra choices (like 'organic') just expands choices, and does not narrow them. :-(
There are good carbs and bad carbs. ANY carbs should be *nutritious* natural colorful vegetable-sourced ones, such as pumpkin or spinach; & Basically anything a mouse or rabbit (a cat's natural prey) might eat, and not 'empty' fiber fillers such as cellulose (sawdust), nor refined or GMO grain flours. A little extra Chromium and trace vanadium also helps reduce diabetes, per Dr. Joel Wallach, DVM, ND, who used to formulate animal and zoo feeds for a living.

'Good' carbs carry the vitamins and nutrition into the cells, like a Trojan horse, and then they can help rebuild the cells and natural immune system. A strong immune system fights off chronic diseases and cancer; that is it's job. So 'low carb', thus also cutting out the needed natural carbs, is not as good for the health as Low Glycemic.
I bring this up here since food choices (incl. supplements and (junk food) "treats') can affect glucose readings and remissions/flare-ups from diabetes, and should be noted in the tracking logs, along with the amount and time of any insulin injections. Within a few weeks you and your vet should be able to recognize patterns & figure out what works best for your cat.

 

[bgenick]

Excellent points thanks

 

[howard f king]

Do not use the Freestyle Libre to monitor your cat! My cat is on day 10 of the 14 day monitoring. It was ordered by a specialty vet. For the last few days I have been getting extremely low readings, below 40 for most of the day. I took him to his regular vet today for a true reading. His glucose was 62 in the parking lot , very low. The vet took it with the alpha reader and strips and got 119. It was off by 57 points with the libre. This thing is no good on humans and even worse on cats.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Do not use the Freestyle Libre to monitor your cat! My cat is on day 10 of the 14 day monitoring.

Here is the comparison of Libre and a human meter take for my Badger. It shows good agreement. Just note that which read higher changed during the 14 days.

 

[bgenick]

I agree that the discrepancies between freestyle and alpha track are a critical point to be aware of. Most vets do not even know this, and so do not tell you. You must always check unusual values with the alpha track. You should also know that whether the freestyle is high or low may vary from one cat to another, and from one time to another.

However, I do believe the sensor has its uses, particularly when you are trying to regulate a new diabetic or changing doses. You cannot possibly prick the cat's ear enough for the constant readings the alpha track gives, even if the cat would tolerate it. Like all tools, it is useful suitable settings.