question on testing blood glucose

[buddhasmom]

Have been trying a high protein low carb diet for a while now & I want to get kitty's blood glucose tested. I know I can attempt to do it at home, but I'm gonna try the vet first to see how he does. They said they can prick the ear or the gums?? Gums are new to me.

Also, the last time he got glucose checked, it was a blood draw because he had other tests. He had to fast for 18 hrs for those. Should I fast him for the ear prick glucose test? If so, how long? The vet's office didn't say.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Welcome
On cats most caretakers use the ear.
Here is a link to home testing blood sugarshttp://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
A few use the paw pads.
For dogs the inner lip is common but not for cats

Good insulin are the human Lantus and Levemir and the pet insulins ProZinc and BCP PZI. For those two human insulin it is best to get the 5 pack of 3 ml disposable pens via a 10 ml vial. Although per ml the vial is less expensive most cats will not use up a 10 ml vial before the insulin goes bad/becomes ineffective. The human insulin N/NPH is sometimes prescribed but only lasts 8-10 hours. Same for the pet insulin Vetsulin/Caninisulin.
Most of us here test or cats blood glucose at home using a human meter. We test before each shot and periodically between shots. We record our reading and other info in a spreadsheet. Fasting would defeat the purpose. See:http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...te-a-ss-and-link-it-in-your-signature.130337/
What are you feeding? A low-carb canned is best. No reason for a prescription food. Here is a list of commercial low-carb canned

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/shortcut-shopping-list-all-8-or-less-updated.117688/

 

[Merlin]

Geez, never heard of getting blood from the gums...just thinking about it makes my teeth hurt. They probably will go for the ear or pad. Have the vet or vet tech show you how to do it and if you can, while you are there, try it yourself in front of them.

 

[Critter Mom]

Also, the last time he got glucose checked, it was a blood draw because he had other tests. He had to fast for 18 hrs for those. Should I fast him for the ear prick glucose test? If so, how long?

For all insulins you test before each insulin dose is due (preshot tests) and ideally then you test at some point between insulin doses (mid-cycle tests). To determine whether it is safe to give an insulin dose the general rule is to make sure your cat doesn't eat for two hours before each preshot test. Mid-cycle tests help you to build up a picture of how low a given dose of insulin is taking your cat. If the cat has eaten shortly before a mid-cycle test there will be some food influence on the test result. If the cat hasn't eaten for two hours prior to the mid-cycle test it may give you a better picture of how low it is possible for the dose to take a cat at that point in the cycle. Different insulins reach their peak blood glucose lowering effects at different times. Also, different cats will respond to the same insulin in different ways. For example, a lot of cats on Lantus may reach their lowest point in a cycle (the nadir) somewhere between 5 to 7 hours after the dose was given. My cat, Saoirse reaches her nadir usually between 3 and 4 hours after the injection time. With regular testing and the use of a spreadsheet you can build up a picture of how your kitty responds to the insulin being used.

It's helpful to record the times and amounts you feed along with the blood glucose readings. It gives a better picture of how the food and insulin works together in your cat.


Mogs


EDITED TO ADD: I test Saoirse's ears.
.

 

[buddhasmom]

Oops, I forgot to add, he is not on insulin YET. So, fasting or no fasting? And if so, for how long?

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

When home testing, no food for the 2 hours before testing (and insulin shot when started) so you get a test that's without the influence of food first

Then you can feed and get another test about 3 hours later... and if the number comes down, the pancreas is doing something

 

[Critter Mom]

Oops, I forgot to add, he is not on insulin YET. So, fasting or no fasting? And if so, for how long?

A fasting BG is better for comparison purposes. That way you eliminate food variances.

How frequently do you feed Buddha. If, for example, you feed him every 4 hours then grab a test just before you feed him. If you free feed, take up his food for at least two hours (three is better), measure his BG and then put his food down again.


Mogs
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[Marje and Gracie]

Have been trying a high protein low carb diet for a while now & I want to get kitty's blood glucose tested. I know I can attempt to do it at home, but I'm gonna try the vet first to see how he does. They said they can prick the ear or the gums?? Gums are new to me.

Also, the last time he got glucose checked, it was a blood draw because he had other tests. He had to fast for 18 hrs for those. Should I fast him for the ear prick glucose test? If so, how long? The vet's office didn't say.

If they are just trying to find out if he still has high blood glucose, it doesn't matter because, just as in people, if he's not diabetic, his pancreas can handle the sugar. He might have some vet stress but if he's consistently over 180 on the lab tests or a fructosamine test is outside of the normal range, he needs insulin.

I really question your vet's experience with FD. Dogs are tested in the gums....not cats. Your vet may have more experience with dog diabetes which is a whole different ballgame.