Moving to Reli On - Is there a reference chart?

[Kelley and Merlin]

Hi everyone,

We had a successful follow-up with the vet yesterday. Blood ketones are still low (0.2). Mer's BG numbers are getting lower. Our next follow up is in a month. I'm officially moving to the Reli On meter. I just can't afford the Alpha Trak strips. I need to make this as cost effective as possible.

I've been doing my own comparison of Reli On and Alpha Trak for over a month. It was expensive, but I feel like it was useful information. For us anyway, the RO is usually lower. I typically see the AT giving lower numbers than the RO when we are in the 500s. Generally the RO is in the range of being 1-39 points lower than the AT. There are a moderate number of readings where it is 40-69 points lower than the AT. And rarely is it 70+ points lower than the AT.

My question is...is there a post on here that shows the important reference numbers for Reli On meters? Like what numbers are dangerously low on a Reli On? I feel like I've seen one, but can't find it now.

I'm still struggling with my fear of shooting at lower numbers, even though they aren't dangerously low.

Thank you!

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

There isn't a post that addresses your question. The original research on the Tight Regulation Protocol with Lantus involved both an AlphaTrack and a Freestyle meter -- pet and human meters. In newly diagnosed cats (i.e., within a year of diagnosis), the dose reduction point was 68 for the AT and 50 for the Freestyle. Beyond that, there is no information. The difference between the two meter results increases the higher the blood glucose readings. Basically, what you were seeing in your meter comparison is consistent with what members here have posted when they've done a comparison -- the human meter results are lower than the pet meter. This is due to a difference in how the meters test.

At what point you reduce the dose depends on the dosing method you're using. This is the post on Lantus dosing methods. There are two approaches -- Tight Regulation (TR) and Start Low Go Slow (SLGS). With TR, since Merlin was diagnosed some time ago, you would not reduce the dose unless numbers fell below 40. With SLGS, the reduction point is 90. Both of those points are based on human meter results.

Dangerously low, at least to me, would indicate symptoms of hypoglycemia. I followed TR and Gabby occasionally dropped into the 30s but never had symptoms. I wouldn't want to leave her in that range and I was bumping her numbers up with high carb and monitoring quite frequently so I could ensure she was back in safe numbers.

I would strongly encourage you to get a before bed test every single night. Without that information, you have no way to know if Merlin's numbers are dropping. In addition, with no PM tests, you're missing half of your data. I'd also encourage you to follow one of the dosing methods. It looks like you are following your vet's instructions regarding dose. I would add that to your signature. Frankly, if your goal is to attempt to get Merlin better regulated or back into remission, I think you're holding the doses for too long.

If you're switching over to a human meter, please remember to indicate that in your signature.

 

[CORKY]

Hi everyone,

We had a successful follow-up with the vet yesterday. Blood ketones are still low (0.2). Mer's BG numbers are getting lower. Our next follow up is in a month. I'm officially moving to the Reli On meter. I just can't afford the Alpha Trak strips. I need to make this as cost effective as possible.

I've been doing my own comparison of Reli On and Alpha Trak for over a month. It was expensive, but I feel like it was useful information. For us anyway, the RO is usually lower. I typically see the AT giving lower numbers than the RO when we are in the 500s. Generally the RO is in the range of being 1-39 points lower than the AT. There are a moderate number of readings where it is 40-69 points lower than the AT. And rarely is it 70+ points lower than the AT.

My question is...is there a post on here that shows the important reference numbers for Reli On meters? Like what numbers are dangerously low on a Reli On? I feel like I've seen one, but can't find it now.

I'm still struggling with my fear of shooting at lower numbers, even though they aren't dangerously low.

Thank you!

I am tagging several members that can help you with your concern since Corky uses ProZinc, I do not want to guide you wrong on where he should be with Lantus, On the ReliOn meter Corky is good in the 60's-100's, bit is the numbers he should be to heal his pancreas. and with ProZinc which I" believe is with any insulin 50 or lower, is time to pull out your HYPO KIT

@Suzanne and Gabby (GA)
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Suzanne & Darcy