Fructosamine Test = Stop Giving Insulin!

[suwannee79]

After being told here my little guy George might be getting insulin overdosed by the vet (after he had two hypo seizures Saturday) I took him to a different cat-only clinic yesterday. We had started BG testing at home Sunday and based on the numbers we were getting and his file from the old vet the new vet majorly lowered his dose. They also gave him a fructosamine test and I just got the call saying his test came back showing 268 and to stop giving him insulin! She said to continue checking his BG 2x a day and if he goes above 300 to let them know but as of right now he looks like he's producing his own insulin again.

I am confused about how the test works - she said his number being 268 means he may have had prolonged hypoglycemia but that number still seems high to me, what exactly is the test showing and what does it mean?

Really excited right now but nervous about how long it will last :shock:

 

[BJM]

Fructosamine is a different test than blood glucose, so the numbers won't match up.

Glucose is a measure of right now - ex 75-120 mg/dL is normal fasting blood level.

Fructosamine is an average over the past, of a different chemical.
"For example, the clinical pathology laboratory used by the University of Georgia Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital uses fructosamine reference intervals of 175-400 µmol/L in cats and 258-343 µmol/L in dogs. It is important to know that reference intervals are variable between laboratories and that each laboratory should establish their own reference intervals. Reference intervals are not affected by the age or sex of the animal.1,11" More info on the web page.

Merck Veterinary Manual - Diabetes Mellitus

 

[cjleo]

Hi there,

Frucosamine is an average of glucose levels over the last two to three weeks. It is measured by the glucose that binds to the red blood cells It is similar to an A1c in human diabetic care.

Basically, my experience has been if the Frucosamine is under 325, the cat is considered non diabetic. Over 400, the cat needs insulin. The numbers don't correlate with glucose readings.

Looks like your cat is doing fine.

All the best!

Claudia