Just getting started with home testing. When to test?

[David Lasker]

My cat Ali was dx 3 weeks ago with diabetes probably caused by pancreatitis. My vet was ambivalent about my doing home testing, but I decided to go for it. I got an AlphaTrak 2 at the vet's recommendation. Strips might be expensive but the expense is insignificant compared to our vet bills for Ali's other problems. We are currently at 1U Lantus BID.

The meter arrived yesterday. Thanks to all the great info here, I felt like I almost knew what I was doing prior to actually trying it. I could't get any blood with the lancing device so I went freehand. Ali didn't feel a thing and was very compliant during testing. I, on the other hand, feel that I need a lot more practice to get comfortable pricking her ear.

My first test was a bust; I tried to heat up Ali's ear just by rubbing, but I don't think it was warm enough and I didn't get enough blood for a meter reading.

The second try tonight was successful. I used a pill bottle filled with hot water to warm Ali's ear and vaseline on her ear. The test was done right after dinner and 12 hours after her last Lantus injection. The result was 419.

I think I need to practice for a few more days before I am ready to do a curve. I would like to give some feedback to my vet before then. If I am only doing one test a day, is there an optimal time for doing the test relative to feeding and Lantus injections that would give my vet the best info for possibly adjusting her dose?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

If I am only doing one test a day, is there an optimal time for doing the test relative to feeding and Lantus injections that would give my vet the best info for possibly adjusting her dose?

No, not really......With Lantus, dosing is based on how LOW it takes them, not the Pre-shot readings....but the PS numbers are important because you need to make sure they're high enough to have insulin at all!!

It will take time, but you'll get better with your technique! Practice makes perfect!!!

Also, the more often you poke (even if you don't get a blood drop each time), the sooner new capillaries will grow in and it'll get easier and easier to do!! We call it "learning to bleed"

I'd try to at least get the 2 Pre-Shot tests and (If possible during the day) get at least 1 test 5-7 hours after the morning shot and then a "before bed" test on the PM cycle.

Most cats go lower at night, so that "before bed" test really is important to make sure they're going to be safe while we sleep

 

[Chris & Lucy]

Lantus usually peaks between 4-5 hours after injection. If your only taking one reading that's a good time to catch the lowest number. ECID (every cat is different) so you'll have to find when Ali goes the lowest. Also, sometimes Lantus is known to make cats do a 'double dip'. Lucy goes low between 4-5 and sometimes has a little drop in bg at +9 also.