glucose monitoring

[wubby379]

Hey all,
A few questions, my husband just purchased the Reli-on meter. My kitty (Ali) has a mild form of diabetes that we are trying to control with diet. She appears to be feeling better-her only real symptom was peeing outside her litter box which she has only done once since changing her diet. A couple of questions-since she isn;t using insulin-should i test her before or after she eats? What are normal glucose ranges? I have read on here that most people test in the "sweet" spot on the ear but also saw that some people test on the foot pad. Any preferences? if so, why? Any tips? Ali likes her ears rubbed so I don't think it will be a problem to warm them up that way-however, the rice sock or warm washcloth may make her mad.

 

[squeem3]

Hey all,
A few questions, my husband just purchased the Reli-on meter. My kitty (Ali) has a mild form of diabetes that we are trying to control with diet.

Diet alone doesn't work for most diabetic cats. You can give it a try, though. A week or so with hometesting will show if the diet is working.

Are you feeding low carb canned food?

She appears to be feeling better-her only real symptom was peeing outside her litter box which she has only done once since changing her diet. A couple of questions-since she isn;t using insulin-should i test her before or after she eats?

Without insulin, I don't think it matters if you test before or after eating. A few random tests done whenever you get a chance will also help show what the bg levels are.

What are normal glucose ranges?

About 60 to 150 but it varies. Some normal cats can go as low as 40.

I have read on here that most people test in the "sweet" spot on the ear but also saw that some people test on the foot pad. Any preferences? if so, why? Any tips?

The ear is the easiest for most people. If a cat won't let the ears be touched or has really dark colored ears or the ears just won't give blood, then a paw pad may be used.

Testing tips: viewtopic.php?f=14&t=287

Ali likes her ears rubbed so I don't think it will be a problem to warm them up that way-however, the rice sock or warm washcloth may make her mad.

The rice sock just needs to be comfortably warm, not burning hot. I doubt your cat will notice it at all, especially if you distract her with a treat or toy. Give it a try, though. Just warm up the ear for about a minute and rewarad with a treat if she behaves well.