? Help switching from alphatrak2?

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Jessica Taddei

Jessica Taddei

Member Since 2017
I'm wanting to switch from the alphatrak2 meter but am unsure of how to interpret numbers on a human reader. I also need suggestions for a meter to switch to, I'm going through so many strips and they are so expensive! ($50 for 50)
 
Just like your ss for vet meters there is one for human meters. I've never used one but from what I understand they tend to run higher at higher numbers and closer to the accurate number at lower numbers. I can't find the template for them right now but but your post in the AM and I'm sure you'll get more eyes on it.. Sorry I dont have more advice. It's a little late and it can be slow around here this time of night.

What I can tell you is that <50 on a human meter is considered hypo, instead of the 68 on a pet meter. The other ranges are the same from what I've seen. Lots of folks use the ReliOn Plus? I think. But any human meter will do. The relion just needs less blood than others.

I've been using the AT2 since FEB of this year and am also thinking about a switch. Those strips are highway robbery!!!
 
Also, most people using lantus use a human meter whether they are following the SLGS or TR protocol. So you might want to ask around that specific forum to see what some of them use.
 
You can definitely use whatever human meter you like. Many folks here do use the Relion brand (I believe the Micro requires a small amount of blood, and the Prime needs a bigger amount). I personally use a Contour Next meter and get my strips off of Ebay for about $10-$12/box of 50. Definitely switch your spreadsheet to the human meter one after you switch to make sure your numbers/ranges are updated. :)

ETA: One awesome point about the Contour Next meter is if you don't get enough blood the first round, the meter gives you 20 or 30 seconds to add more. Definitely a great option.
 
just buy the cheaper 'freestyle lite' strips to use with your alphatrak 2, they are what i started mostly using. glucose readings/numbers are often close to AT strip readings or an average of 10 low or higher for me so far. once you compare readings for 2-3 days using AT strips followed by freestyle lite strips on your meter, you will get an idea of how to interpret freestyle lite strips numbers. usually i log what freestyle lite strip reading says but, think plus or minus 10 and on occassion i will recheck readings with an AT strip. you get to keep using your AT spreadsheet if you use these freestyle lite strips with your alphatrak2 meter.

The freestyle lite strips are about a little over half the cost of AT strips at places like Amazon but, you can get them a lot cheaper than that if you buy them on ebay. i bought 23 vials in total on there and ended up paying an average of $12.13 per vial.
 
If you live in the US, the Relion Confirm or Micro meters from WalMart are what most of us use. The strips are a lot more affordable than the AT ($35.88 per 100) and you can get strips pretty much 24/7 if you need them

The Relion Prime has cheaper strips, but takes a larger sample size and some people complain about frequent error messages.

You can't convert a human meter and pet meter numbers....there's just no "formula" for it (and lots of us have tried!)

The important number is the low.....under 50 on a human meter is your "time to act"....on the AlphaTrak, it was 68

The higher the number, the more it can be off.....but if it's too high, it's too high, so it doesn't really matter if it's 300 or 400!
 
Chris & China said:
The important number is the low. The higher the number, the more it can be off.....but if it's too high, it's too high, so it doesn't really matter!
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That's perfect. High numbers can be dealt with long term but a low number, where a human meter will be more accurate, requires attention right now. I'm one of the few that use an Aviva Accuchek, it's consistent and needs an incredibly small amount of blood, great for a nervous cat.
 
Aviva Accuchek also comes with a good travel pack, brand name batteries (needs 3032), a USB cable and a mini travel meter. I have no idea about the price of the strips online, they're outrageous at a pharmacy. There's a deal in Canada, buy 100 lancets and the meter is free. Don't mention it's for a cat, just make up some story that your doctor wants you to keep an eye on your blood sugar. No ID required.
 
Sorry, now a triple post. Battery for Accuchek is a 2032, NOT 3032. Duracell has 4 packs for less than $8 and they usually last at least 6 months.
 
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