More questions

[Thelma & Sinbad]

I purchased the Relion meter today at Walmart since it seemed to be the best choice and from reading other posts on here, came highly recommended. A few questions. How accurate are these readings? We did a reading with my husband's meter - not Relion - (he is also a diabetic) and it gave us a very low reading, which I do not trust. Do you take the sample prior to the insulin injection? My Sinbad was diagnosed last week, but from what I'm told and based upon his labs, he may have had this for longer than that. I read a lot on here that cats do return to normal, healthy and happy lives, which is what I'm praying for Sinbad.

 

[Mitzelplik's Mom]

Hi Thelma,
Welcome to FDMB! Most of us test before each insulin shot as well as sometime in the middle of the cycle to check how low the insulin is taking the blood sugar levels. Every meter will read a little differently but that's OK. @BJM has a great signature link with tons of information on glucometers. With low carb wet food and regular testing, you can help Sinbad feel better and live a very happy life! You've come to right place.
best,
Joan

 

[Larry and Kitties]

The accuracy of all the hand-help meters is +/- 20%
Some meters like one with "Try" in their name seem to read low in cats.
What meter does your husband use?
Just how low was very low?
Some meters give a very low value if not enough blood. When in question take another BG reading.
Most of us measure BG before each shot. That way we know it is safe to get the shot. We also periodically measue BGs between shots since the does is determined by the lowest BG between shots.

 

[BJM]

In addition to glucose blood tests (see my signature link Glucometer Notes fpr felime-specific reference values), there are some other assessments you may find helpful to evaluate your cat in my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools, in particular, food and water intake and output, dehydration checks, and ketone testing of urine or blood. If your cat has ever been diagnosed as having ketones, we suggest getting a blood ketone meter such as the NovaMax Plus or the Precision XTra.