How to read the numbers from home testing

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Hazelhartt

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Hi- i was finally able to test Penny's blood glucose level today!!!As i am completely new to this,i'm not sure how to interpret this number.I gave her an insulin shot at 9:oo am,and she got tested at 5:30 pm.the meter read 172.She has been on 2 units of Prozinc twice a day since 2/28.Her first test at the vet was 580.Is 172 a good reading?She is supposed to go back to the vet on friday for another test to see where she is now.Thanks for the help!!I'm wondering when and how often i should be testing her.
 
That is nice low number which might indicate you need to back off the dose a little. WithProZinc, we expect to see a smile type curve, dipping down to a low point around 5-7 hours after the shot. With 172 at +8, she could have gone quite a bit lower earlier in the cycle.

The more numbers, the better you will be able to see how the dose is working.

If you are taking her back to the vet for a curve(numbers over a 12 hour cycle), you can continue to get numbers at home and save your money and her stress. Most cats are very stressed at the vet and since stress raises bg levels, it is likely the vet numbers will be higher than you would get at home. Doses based on those inflated numbers can be too high once you get the kitty home. We do all our curves at home and send the numbers to the vet.

A great tool we have is the google color coded spreadsheet. It helps you see trends and patterns, and helps the vet and us see your history if you want help. It's a little tricky. If you need help, just ask.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=18207
 
Missed your last question. Absolutely, test before each shot to make sure it is safe to give the insulin. (under 200 at preshot, we suggest waiting, without feeding and retesting in 20 minutes. We want to make sure the number is rising. 200 is the low cut off until you have enough data to show you how she might react). After that, a number between +5-7 is great to see how low she might be going. And any other time you can - in the door, out the door, before bed.
 
Thanks for your help!!! I'm so new to this right now and any info is really appreciated!!!She is supposed to go to the vet for her first re-check-no curve yet.I wanted to get a handle on her numbers myself so i don't have to take her back so much-she gets very stressed out!!So what you are saying is that i should be testing her before i give her the shot in the morning?And if it is below 200 i should wait to give it to her until a little later,and test her again??Sorry for all the questions-today was the first time i tested her.
 
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