Glucose Checkers

[RainyOcean]

Hi everybody,

Sorry if there is already a thread for this. I looked, but I didn't see one. I've been testing Quentin's blood sugar at home for a bit now. I've been using the CVS accucheck, which now I've been reading online has been known to have issues? I'm getting weird variability in his readings today. Around 2:00 pm it read 95 (the lowest reading I've ever got by far), but about ten minutes ago around 7:05 I took it again and it read 405. I don't know if it's normal for it to jump that much? Or if I got a bad reading? Either way, I'm looking for another one. I know people keep recommending the one from Walmart, but believe it or not the closest Walmart is pretty far, and I'm worried I won't be able to get down there regularly enough to maintain a supply of test strips. Does anybody have any other recommendations?

 

[Kris & Teasel]

The 405 might well be a big bounce after that low of 95 that you say is a first. Do you have a little bottle of control solution to check that the meter is reading properly? It should be available from the manufacturer (online?).

Have you given any thought to setting up a spreadsheet like the one we use here? We could give more specific advice if we could see the big picture.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

It's totally possible the meter is perfectly fine.....When our cats are first diagnosed, their bodies have become used to living at higher numbers and even a number that's not "too low" can cause bounces.

Bounces are caused by 1. numbers that drop too low 2. numbers that drop too quickly and 3. numbers that the body just isn't used to (or any combination of all 3)

It's the liver responding to what it thinks is a crisis and releasing stored sugars and hormones to bring the blood glucose back up quickly.....If you could start keeping track of the numbers you're getting on our spreadsheet, we're pretty good at seeing when a kitty is bouncing!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

In answer to your question though about other meters, you could order the Arkray Glucocard01 from ADW....it's the exact same meter as the Relion Confirm at WalMart

You'd have to make sure you keep stocked up on strips though (also available at ADW) but in an emergency, you can get the strips for the Relion Confirm at WalMart and they'll work in the Arkray too

 

[RainyOcean]

Ok, let me ask you guys a question about these graphs. I've been writing down each check I do with the intent of graphing them. Problem is I haven't been able to get as many readings as I'd like. I have a really hard time getting him to let me check it (slowly getting better now that he's learned he gets a treat when he's done), and a very hectic schedule. So I've generally been averaging one -two checks a day. Always one in the evening when I come home from work, and one around peak time if I'm home (primarily on the weekends). Can I graph these numbers, or is that not enough information?

I do not have check solution! Didn't know that was a thing! I'll see if I can get it. Will also look into that meter! Thank you everyone!

 

[RainyOcean]

It's totally possible the meter is perfectly fine.....When our cats are first diagnosed, their bodies have become used to living at higher numbers and even a number that's not "too low" can cause bounces.

Bounces are caused by 1. numbers that drop too low 2. numbers that drop too quickly and 3. numbers that the body just isn't used to (or any combination of all 3)

!

That's so interesting! I never heard of that! Thank you!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Can I graph these numbers, or is that not enough information?

Any data is better than no data, but it is really important that you always test before shooting.....that's the only way you'll know if they're high enough to have insulin at all!!

Then (if you can only get 1 other test) get a "before bed" test on the PM cycle .....most cats go lower at night so it's important to keep him safe overnight.

It's best if you can get a mid-cycle on the AM cycle too, but we realize full time jobs can make that really hard for some people.....but in those, it's even more important to do a curve every week when you have a day off. Curves are every 2 hours for 12 hours or every 3 hours for 18 hours