JanetNJ
Very Active Member
I've just kept it on whatever my current alpha strips were. I've had code 8 and 38. Both were fine.
HAS ANYONE TRIED PETSURE GLUCOSE TEST STRIPS???
- Thread starter ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
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Jennifer Girard
Member
I just got freestyle strips and did a first test for Mickey! I'm canadian so my numbers aren't the same as yours but would you say a difference of 3 is good? He was at 15 with AT and at 18 with Freestyle
JanetNJ
Very Active Member
Are they reestyle lite strips or freestyle insulinx? It's a bit off. To get our numbers you would multiply by 18. So that's a 270 And 324
Jennifer Girard
Member
Lite
Jennifer Girard
Member
I just tested it again and I got 244.8 with AT and 277,2 with Freestyle Lite Strips. I was on code 38 yesterday and today on code 7.
Rain7
Member
I am using the Insulinx, not Lite. I leave it on code 38, just like Janet, which is what my Alpha Trak was on. The readings seem to be on par with the Alpha Trak, or what is expected here lately, which thankfully, is an improvement from the beginning of this ongoing diabetic nightmare. I won't bother with any other kind of strip at this point. I don't want to keep changing things up. I'm fine with the Insulinx for now, at least. I still have a handful of Alpha strips left, for testing it once in a while to see where he's at on the Alpha.
Beck and Philly
Very Active Member
I'm a convert to Insulinx. We're just about finished with the first vial of 50, and they've seemed reliable and consistent. Thanks Janet!
JanetNJ
Very Active Member
Awesome. I was really hesitant to trusting them the first few weeks but they have proven reliable. I went from spending $150/month on strips to about $40.
Moms2Tigger&Blu
Active Member
I've begun my obsession with InsulinX as well . . . I have 3 boxes of 50 and 2 boxes of 100 coming my way . . . . and I'm bidding on more lolAwesome. I was really hesitant to trusting them the first few weeks but they have proven reliable. I went from spending $150/month on strips to about $40.
JanetNJ
Very Active Member
I had to stop looking at eBay. Maybe when I'm down to 10 boxes I'll look again. Lol
Rain7
Member
Yeah, Insulinx is my go-to strip now. Forget about wasting hundreds of dollars on Alpha Trak, when they are basically the same strip. Also, I happened to notice earlier today that the lancet pen from the Alpha Trak meter says "Freestyle" on it. It's all the same, as far as I am concerned. They just try to rip people off wherever they can, until they smarten up like we did
Emmy
Member
This thread is chock full of useful info on test strips. I will add my two cents for what it is worth. I switched to human meter very early because the Alphatrak (vet loaned me meter at first) strips were way too expensive for me to sustain. I first bought a Relion Confirm & test strips in store. I wanted a backup and discovered companies will provide meters free because they want to get you regularly buying test strips. I shopped Ebay for test strips, too, and once or twice bought strips close to expiration date, and they worked. I won't buy them much past expiry date though. For human meter, Bayer Contour and Accuchek Aviva have good ratings, Relion Confirm, and now Arkray Glucocard and Arkray Sensor One Plus test strips I believe are reliable. Arkray manufactures the Relion, so I think Arkray is like the generic of Relion. But, of course, as someone already noted above, the human meter readings are not only different from the pet meter readings, so you have to first figure out your acceptable range using the human meter. The human meters also vary from one to the other. I find the difference between Accuchek Aviva and Arkray Glucocard runs anywhere from 30-50 points. Once I compare it I adjust my expectations. In the overall picture this isn't a problem keeping my cat in the zone. I also rely on her behavior and on doing a periodic curve. Back to meters and strips though, if money is an issue, look for promotional offers for the meters on the internet, or coupons for meters which you take with a prescription to a pharmacy. It is a hassle, I know, but I assume there are other low income people. For Arkray, you can call the company and request a meter.
ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
Active Member
I just saw this post after reading your other one...As expressed...What a mess..comparing all of the brands..Just when I think, FS or insulinX or Petsure is only 1 point off (or the same) as AT....a 30 point difference might show up. I must say that there are times when I question the AT results, especially if having to re-test with a 30 point difference!!! However, with such a small dog or cat, a 10 point difference worries me ifBG is low but so does THE PRICE OF AT!!! I am still comparing strips but "changing nadir times" is causing me more testing. Elliott (in remission since 2016) still sits up on kitchen counter awaiting his test and never cared that his ear was test site. We sometimes now, "pretend" to test by squeezing his ear and then giving him his chicken bit!! Maybe that is where there's a real difference between cats and dogs..Suzie is not as easy to test..especially if we use her ear (which is rare) since her upper foot pad seems to be giving less blood. Anyway, I am looking to others' BG results and have decreased using AT strips to 2-4 times/day.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O1YNDHz-t4REns_tbAN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=0
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O1YNDHz-t4REns_tbAN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=0
ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
Active Member
I was surprised yesterday when opening a new AT vial that the code was 5 (dogs) or 7 (cats) rather than 36 or 37 but using 2 AT meters I forgot to change meter#2 that I use for FS, Insulinx or PS. BG result 139..When changed, it was 138...Oh well???
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O1YNDHz-t4REns_tbAN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=0
JanetNJ
Very Active Member
A 30 point difference is not significant unless it's a 50 verse 80.
ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
Active Member
ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
Active Member
Thanks Janet!! Now, my faulty overtesting has probably led to such inconsistency...Can You tell me what code you are using with InsulinX? And are you using the Alphatrak meter? I was happy with InsulinX. Maybe I got a bad batch? OR maybe these codes cause differences? The code for AT is for the AT "strip"..I keep thinking why we change codes on the other non AlphaTrak strips..My noon BG using in sequence:
9/20-12 pm Freestyle lite=161 code #5 (new ATvial code for dog. was #36 on last vial)
Freestyle InsulinX=217 code #5
AlphaTrak =142 code #5
Freestyle InsulinX=172 code #36 (changed to previous vial code to compare)
Petsure =156 code #20 (as instructed on Petsure vial)
9/19-6p = AlphaTrak = 319 code #5
Freestyle InsulinX = 424 code#5 ..Because I only use AT with FBG's, I have not compared other strips with FBG until yesterday.
Conclusion: No amount of money matters when necessary to keep my babies well BUT when pet strips cost double human strips, it is obvious (IMO) that companies know that "real" animal advocates are vulnerable to paying any amount for adequate care. BTW..Petsure results usually have been lower than AT but may buy them again since by 4th test today, BG may have been stressed. Thanks for all of your info everyone !!!
JanetNJ
Very Active Member
I have been using code 38 on the Alphatrak meter for the Insulinx strips.
Moms2Tigger&Blu
Active Member
I leave everything on current AT code (Freestyle Lite, InsulinX, PetSure). I can't explain why but I'm partial to InsulinX right now. There's no GOOD reason really. Freestyle Lite has almost exact same results in my trials (see additional tabs on Tigger's SS). I guess FSL started a lot higher right off the bat and are a couple bucks more expensive. However they are easily bought in stores/online. InsulinX seems to be ebay only and that scares me - not manufacturing anymore???
FSL has even had 2 exact matches with AT in the trial!
FSL has even had 2 exact matches with AT in the trial!
Molly and Sammy
Member
I found Inslinx on Amazon, $30 for 100.
Moms2Tigger&Blu
Active Member
Don't tell me that! I'll have to go buy some lol!
JanetNJ
Very Active Member
You can get insulinx on amazon as well for $30/100
ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
Active Member
In my head?? I think of Freestyle lite "was" one I liked most of other brands.closest to AT but that depends on the day I guess... PS seems lowest BG I bought 3 boxes of InsulinX that seem to give me higher results but we'll see how code #36 does. My new AT vial for Suzie (dog) has code #5-haven't seen that in a very long time but am using #36 on meter#2 for InsulinX and FS lite and #20 on meter#1 for PS. Yesterday using InsulinX X2 #5=250, code #36=190... on same blood gtt..190 seems most reasonable. This has gotten too confusing for me!!
ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
Active Member
Wow!!! great charting of the different strips so much easier to compare than the way I charted !!!!!!!!!
Moms2Tigger&Blu
Active Member
Thank you! It was all getting so overwhelming I needed an easier way to see the numbers!
ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
Active Member
OMG!!!! Has anyone read this???? I just ordered 4 more boxes//crazy!!!!!
What is the AlphaTRAK®2 Turbo code?The AlphaTRAK®2 Turbo code, is an alternative coding option that provides blood glucose readings closer to AlphaTRAK® test strip results. It is the recommended option for previous AlphaTRAK® test strip users, who want to produce similar results with the PetSure!® test strips.
Due to differences in manufacturing, PetSure!® test strips tend to produce lower readings on codes 20 and 22 than the AlphaTrak® test strips. Using the AlphaTRAK®2 Turbo code yields a higher reading which will more closely resemble the results of the AlphaTRAK® test strips. While both readings are accurate and fall within the accuracy range of at-home testing equipment, the AlphaTRAK®2 Turbo code option allows for a smooth transition from AlphaTRAK® test strip use to PetSure!® test strips.
(This does not mean that the results from testing with the assigned codes are any less accurate. It simply means that PetSure!® results seem to be negatively biased while AlphaTRAK® results are usually positively biased to the true glucose level.)
The different codes that are needed can be found on the chart on the side of our product box as well as in the informational insert. The codes needed are also described in the chart below:
Species First Generation AlphaTRAK® Meter (Gray Meter) AlphaTRAK®2(Purple Meter) AlphaTRAK®2 Turbo Code
Cats Code 7 Code 22 Code 4
Dogs Code 7 Code 20 Code 2
What is the AlphaTRAK®2 Turbo code?The AlphaTRAK®2 Turbo code, is an alternative coding option that provides blood glucose readings closer to AlphaTRAK® test strip results. It is the recommended option for previous AlphaTRAK® test strip users, who want to produce similar results with the PetSure!® test strips.
Due to differences in manufacturing, PetSure!® test strips tend to produce lower readings on codes 20 and 22 than the AlphaTrak® test strips. Using the AlphaTRAK®2 Turbo code yields a higher reading which will more closely resemble the results of the AlphaTRAK® test strips. While both readings are accurate and fall within the accuracy range of at-home testing equipment, the AlphaTRAK®2 Turbo code option allows for a smooth transition from AlphaTRAK® test strip use to PetSure!® test strips.
(This does not mean that the results from testing with the assigned codes are any less accurate. It simply means that PetSure!® results seem to be negatively biased while AlphaTRAK® results are usually positively biased to the true glucose level.)
The different codes that are needed can be found on the chart on the side of our product box as well as in the informational insert. The codes needed are also described in the chart below:
Species First Generation AlphaTRAK® Meter (Gray Meter) AlphaTRAK®2(Purple Meter) AlphaTRAK®2 Turbo Code
Cats Code 7 Code 22 Code 4
Dogs Code 7 Code 20 Code 2
Bama Kitty Mom (GA)
Very Active Member
@ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer -- I'm trying to follow your strip crusade and need some clarification. Do you have the FreeStyle Lite meter and use the PetSure and/or the InsulinX strips in that meter? I'm using the Walmart Relion Micro meter but started out with the FreeStyle Lite meter which I much prefer. However, the FreeStyle Lite strips are more expensive but if I could use the PetSure or the InsulinX in the FreeStyle Lite meter, I would consider going back to it. Thanks!
ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
Active Member
I do not use a human meter. I hesitate to make any recommendations anymore since I have (and am still) comparing many strips..I have 3 AlphaTrak-2 meters..I do have Relion and Bayer Contour meters but only use them to check Elliott's blood infrequently since he has been in remission for 2 years. Re: Suzie..." Petsure: I liked them..and then didn't..and then ordered more and found them to be close to AlphaTak on most occasions...with AT meter. I am now using AT and InsulinX, as advised by one of the members...with pretty good results. My husband grabs for Freestyle Lite when comparing AT to other strips. We only use AT for FBG but I just got off the phone AGAIN with Zoetis re calculation of codes, since I have never received a 91-93 code before...but they don't know why such a variety of codes-other than factory humidity conditions. Whether AT is accurate or "the best"...I don't know but am not willing to rely on human meters totally..My new testing is NOT to use the same gtt of blood when comparing strips.And though Suzie may not like it, I started wondering if the second dip into the same gtt gave different constituent %..I like InsulinX and Freestyle Lite..Next vial: I will again be comparing Petsure...I think all 3 of these strips are fairly consistent...but don't know how they work with human meters....Good Luck!!!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O1YNDHz-t4REns_tbAN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=0
ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
Active Member
Has anyone ever received AlphaTrak codes >90?? AND...if the code has only to do calibrating the specific vial of "STRIPS" used in the "AlphaTrak meter", I don't know why I need to change the code on my other 2 meters when using Freestyle or InsulinX ... Why not keep the codes for FS /Insulinx the same AND...with Petsure...It's interesting that lowering the code to #2 (from #20) for dogs should give higher results...The readings are much higher with code 2..I am wondering if I can raise the code # until it matches AT exactly..Oh well..still comparing InsulinX=usually higher than AT...and FS=usually lower than AT...just starting to use Petsure again...This is ridiculous...BTW..I do not have a FS meter. I wonder if there are comparisons between FS on AT meter and FS meter??? Good day All!!!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O1YNDHz-t4REns_tbAN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=0
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O1YNDHz-t4REns_tbAN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=0
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Moms2Tigger&Blu
Active Member
yes! my newest AT vial is like 93 or 96 (havent used it yet) - I was surprised! we are basically using Insulinx exclusively at this point.
bxkitty
Member
I found this thread from looking up what's a good, cost-efficient alternative for AlphaTrak testing strips, and I must say that I'm still not sure which to potentially choose xD
Also, because the AT kit comes with a Freestyle lancet - and the Freestyle glucometer looks just like the AT meter, only black - I think it might make sense why Freestyle strips have reasonable readings when I've looked into a lot of you guys' testing comparisons.
Also, because the AT kit comes with a Freestyle lancet - and the Freestyle glucometer looks just like the AT meter, only black - I think it might make sense why Freestyle strips have reasonable readings when I've looked into a lot of you guys' testing comparisons.
Larry and Kitties
Very Active Member
They are the same. Because the glucose distribution in the blood constituents (red blood cells and the liquid portion of the blood), the codes one inputs in the meter are different for a human, a dog, a cat and some other animals too. The key is to find/use the correct code when using human strips.
ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
Active Member
"The key is to find/use the correct code when using human strips". Have you tested and found them? For the most part, I believe that most diabetic pet owners can feel fairly ok with testing whatever the strip/meter and not go nuts like some of us trying to find perfection? However, I would like to increase the insulin in order to allow FBG 250's but can't because of a few low nadirs....and so, accuracy with low nadirs and when to expect them is important for Suzie. No matter what potential theories I come up with challenging the wide variety of BG results, the DVM's and experts at Merck or Zoetis have no opinion="It's maybe a fluke"..Really??? If one is still comparing strips, I am sure you all see at one time, results can be quite close or exact and at another time. not so at all...When I get some energy back in my brain... since i have a Relion meter and strips from awhile back, I may test my own blood to see if using one "blood gtt" to obtain accurate results could be an issue...as not ruled out when discussing with an expert..I'm exhausted...but as we all know.."WE JUST WANT OUR BABIES TO LIVE A HEALTHY HAPPY LIFE..."...P.S. HAS ANYONE STARTED THE LIBRE SYSTEM? I REALLY WANT TO BUT WORRY ABOUT THE LOOSENESS OF THE SKIN ON SUZIE'S (DOG) NECK. Also, when looking at Elliott (cat), I do wonder if a cat could figure out how to remove the sensor no matter where it was??? Good day all!!!!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O1YNDHz-t4REns_tbAN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=0
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ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer
Active Member
That could be..Thanks..I think that before having the next test, I will decrease the chicken used for meds and treats to balance anticipated low nadirs for a week. I will ask them to include the Cr- since it has remained normal. I assumed they performed both together but not so. That is where I see a big difference between cats/dogs. Apparently cats handle pr- a lot better than dogs...but what worries me is "what could I replace the chicken pr- with if BUN keeps rising"..Finally, I have had pets with CA (3), Cushings (2), and ruptured discs (3) and never thought anything could be more frustrating/worrisome. For me. D.M. is the worst... but thanks to FDMB, caring for Elliott before remission, was made so much easier...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O1YNDHz-t4REns_tbAN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=0
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