New diabetic cat

[Roadrunner]

:smile: Just introducing us. My 13 year old cat Blackie was diagnosed a couple of weeks ago. I finally decided this weekend to get a meter and try to test his bg. Took a while but I got a sample. I am bought the Relion Prime meter because I thought it was the one from Consumers Report, but later realized it was not the recommended model. I will try to use it for now. The conversion chart for human to cat is really helpful. Glad I found this group! He is on Lantus.
Cannot find the signature on the UCP
Roadrunner and Blackie
Omaha

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hello Roadrunner and Blackie, and welcome to FDMB.

Gosh, well done for cracking on with the hometesting. Excellent job! :smile:

Lantus is a great insulin for cats. What dose is Blackie on at the moment?
And what are you feeding Blackie?

Oh, re setting up a Signature:
Go to UCP, click on 'Profile', then 'Edit Signature'.

Eliz

 

[BJM]

We use Google Drive and a spreadsheet/grid so you can track the glucose numbers, then share them for review and feedback.
Instructions are here.

Understanding the spreadsheet/grid:

The colored headings at the top are the ranges of glucose values. They are color-coded to clue you in as to meaning.

Each day is 1 row. Each column stores different data for the day.

From left to right, you enter
the Date in the first column
the AMPS (morning pre-shot test) in the 2nd column
the Units given (turquoise column)

Then, there are 11 columns labeled +1 through +11
If you test at +5 (5 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +5 column
If you test at +7 (7 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +7 column
and so on.

Halfway across the page is the column for PMPS (evening pre-shot)
To the right is another turquoise column for Units given at the evening shot.

There is second set of columns labeled +1 through +11
If you snag a before bed test at +3, you enter the test number in the +3 column.

We separate day and night numbers like that because many cats go lower at night.

It is merely a grid for storing the info; no math required.

 

[Roadrunner]

Thanks for the UCP help. Blackie is on 1 unit twice a day. I find it really hard to see the markings so I hope he is getting the correct dose. I am feeding him Nature's Variety Instinct recommended by the vet tech.

 

[BJM]

Magnifiers are your friend. They come as visors, clip-ons to existing glasses, on stands, and devices for syringes. They can be very helpful, as can a small flashlight or stand lamp to fully illuminate the syringe. Check our shopping partner, Amazon at the shopping link above. Carson Clip and Flip attach to existing glasses and worked very well for me.

 

[KPassa]

The Prime is just fine for use. The only reason it's not generally recommended for those new to testing is that it requires a bit more blood than the ReliOn Confirm or Micro meters. Once you get the hang of testing, though, a lot of people with switch to the Prime because the strips are about half the price. If you have difficulty getting blood and find yourself getting frustrated with testing, then I'd maybe suggest running out and getting a Confirm/Micro and using the Prime as a backup meter for now.