meters and strips

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Barbara Carella

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I have been testing my cat Simon for diabetes since May. He's up to 8 units a day. I purchased the AlphaTrac system. It works very well but I'm having trouble getting the delivery of the test strips on line. I need to be able to get them quickly. I also cannot keep affording the test strips as they are very expensive. Is there another good monitoring system where I can get the strips easier and less expensive? Please help!
Barbara
 
I started out with the TRUEtrack from CVS, got the meter free after a mail-in rebate, and the strips were, so-so.
Just recently, I purchased the Realion from Walmart and it is is 9.00 and the strips are a lot cheaper. AND, you only need a TINY drop of blood, which is better for me and of course, Callie Mae. I couldn't be happier. And most Walmart are open 24 hours.
HTH
 
Hi Barbara,

Alot of us have switched from AlphaTrak to a human meter for the same reasons you're running into. The numbers are 30 points higher on AlphaTrak so if you test 180 on AT, they're 150 on human meters.

I use a Contour some folks use Relion from Walmart. My Contour was free at Walgreens when I bought Contour strips (~$.50/strip).

When I told my vet I was making the switch, he was ok with it. He said AT came out a few years ago and before that, vets used human meters anyway.

Bonnie
 
there are a lot of good human monitors out there. choose according to what is readily available for strip prices. I have used the relion from walmart. wither the micro or confirm. these are some of the cheapest strips available. others use the contour. accucheck ect and can sometimes find strips on e-bay a lot cheaper than in the stores. these strips are more expensive otherwise in the stores.
hope this helps
 
Hi Barbara,
Could you share with us how you worked up to 8 units?
Tell us about your treatment of Simon re: diet, testing, which insulin, things like that.
Lori
and tomtom
 
:shock: :shock: :shock:

nailbite_smile nailbite_smile nailbite_smile

I didn't even notice the 8u.

My goodness, I would like to know this as well.

Please get back with us.
 
I started out giving Simon one unit of insulin (ProZinc) twice a day. I've been working with Simon's vet to try to figure out what the right amount per day would be but he keeps yoyoing. Every two weeks I have given the vet a chart of his number readings and then he adjusts the dosage but Simon still hasn't stabilized. I'm very frustrated. Sometimes it's even 4 1/2 units twice a day. I also have him on Purina DM wet cans. 2 cans a day. I ordered the AlphaTrak test strips last Thursday on-line and the site said they would ship in two days. They haven't contacted me to say they've sent them and now I'm really worried because I only have enough strips to get me thru Wed. I'm really stressed out.
 
first of all, BREATHE
my suggestions and these are only suggestions
1) go to walmart and but the cheap relion confirm or micro and 50 strips. approx cost $30
2) ditch the dry and get some walmart special kitty (since you will already be there) . super supper, turkey and giblets,mixed grill, can toss in a few fish also
3) drop dose back to 1u twice a day and get some +6 spot checks to see how low he is dropping. he could be going lower and rebounding is why you keep increasing insulin and this is just repeating self and BG goes higher and insulin is increased.
4) if indeed kitty needs this much insulin, then I would have him tested for acromegaly or insulin resistance. cannot remember what test to ask for though.
that is a big increase in insulin for only being on it for a month there is a high dose forum here you can also post on and ask questions.
relax and continue to ask questions. you will be OK
 
Thanks for the info. I'm definitely going to get another meter. What is the difference between human numbers and cat numbers? Also, I do have Simon on wet food but he's not gaining any weight. He used to be 14 pounds and now he's down to 8 1/2 pounds. I'm afraid to cut him back to one unit. Also, I work all week so I can't test him that often. Thank you for all your advise. Actually, I'm afraid to do anything without talking to the vet. I start to panic if Simon looks like he's getting sick. Don't have the confidence.
 
What is the difference between human numbers and cat numbers?
Click to expand...

I don't know about Relion and other meters but for Contour it's a 30 point difference. When I made the switch, I would test on both meters to see the difference. At first there was a 70 point difference but by the third test, it was a 30 point spread for me. It's been consistently 30 points since then.

Getting a human meter will help reduce the stress of running out of strips. Been there myself!
 
there are very few here that worry about the difference between cat numbers and human numbers. I think you are really referring to the readings on the monitor? none of us who use human meters do any calculations of + or- in comparison. we test, go by that number and give insulin. easy as that. 98% here use human meters and before abott started pushing the alpha trak, so did most vets.
I understand your hesitation about vets and your fear. the decision o, of course is yours to make. just pointing out that 8U is an awful lot of insulin and a short time to have been increased unless there is something else going on.
stress and infections can also increase BG. Urinary problems, teeth ect.
hope all goes well with you and your precious one.
sorry, posted this before your food question but I guess it got lost
there is a difference to sum it up but those of us that use a human meter just go by those numbers
 
you can also feed friskies the ones without gravy, fancy feast classics, 9 lives without gravy. thse are the least expensive foods. have you checked janet and binky food charts. I believe it is the third column that tells how many carbs. we try to feed 10% and under
 
I was wondering if it might be possible for you to try and test Simon's BG maybe as soon as you get home from work, before you give him an injection and maybe once more before you go to bed on the days you have to work, and then maybe on your days off, you could get a few readings throughout the day that would be different from the times you test on work days?

Is there a way you could work that out, so we could maybe see how else we may be able to help you get Simon back to feeling his best? :mrgreen:

Barbara Carella said:
Don't have the confidence.
Click to expand...

Don't sweat it. You'll be an old pro in no time!
(((hugs)))
We have all been there.
 
agree with TB. if nothing else, get a before bed test and whenever you can grab others. this will help us see what is going on and to help you help your kitty
 
Barbara, you will find yourself looking not so much at the number as the trends. Nearly everyone here uses a human glucometer.
Are you perhaps thinking of dropping your dose to 1 unit. Your baby has never had ketones right?
 
Barbara, I thought I should mention to you that too much insulin can result in high numbers. It's a condition called rebound. We don't have to get into all that now but that is why it would be nice to chart Simon on 1 unit for a few days.
 
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