New member at-home glucose testing questions

[Mindrakcfl]

Hello all, I am new here. My orange tabby, Fireball, recently got diagnosed with diabetes. I am giving him 2 shots of Lantus twice a day currently and have had his blood glucose tested twice now at the vet (the original test and a follow-up). There was no improvement at the follow-up and so I have started doing as much research as possible to help him improve. The tests are quite expensive though and I feel like it only shows me a 'glimpse in time' if that makes sense. I would like to learn how to test his blood glucose at home. Some of the articles on here relating to best devices seem to be older articles though. Can anyone give me current information on best glucose monitors to use? Also, how often should I be testing his blood at home? I have no idea what I'm doing or best way to test either. Please help!

 

[CORKY]

Welcome to FDMB
Fireball is beautiful, well most of our members use the ReliOn Premier human monitor and strips, (Walmart) the monitor is $19.99 and the strips are $9.00 for 50 strips and $17.88 for 100 strips, or any other human glucometer, no need for an expensive pet meter, is always good to have extra strips handy, Testing before each shot is important to avoid hypoglycemia especially at such high dose, and several times 3-4 times during the days as well , testing at the vet is not recommended, cats are very sensitive to stress and the glucose levels will always be much higher than reality causing unnecessary increases in doses. as well as if your vet recommends a curve, that also can be done at home that is testing every two hours for one cycle (12 hours) Hometesting Links and Tips
I will tag a member that can assist you with Lantus

@Sienne and Gabby (GA)

 

[Mindrakcfl]

Welcome to FDMB
Fireball is beautiful, well most of our members use the ReliOn Premier human monitor and strips, (Walmart) the monitor is $19.99 and the strips are $9.00 for 50 strips and $17.88 for 100 strips, or any other human glucometer, no need for an expensive pet meter, is always good to have extra strips handy, Testing before each shot is important to avoid hypoglycemia especially at such high dose, and several times 3-4 times during the days as well , testing at the vet is not recommended, cats are very sensitive to stress and the glucose levels will always be much higher than reality causing unnecessary increases in doses. as well as if your vet recommends a curve, that also can be done at home that is testing every two hours for one cycle (12 hours) Hometesting Links and Tips
I will tag a member that can assist you with Lantus

@Sienne and Gabby (GA)

Thank you so much for the info! This is really helpful and I truly appreciate it.