Readings for Glucometers

[Judy and Hershey]

I am going to start testing, and I am trying to figure out which glucometer to purchase, but I am curious, my vet uses the Alpha Trac 2, but as we all know the strips are more money, than if I were to purchase the Relion Confirm and use those test strips. When I start taking readings do I have to do any conversion for my own charting? The BG readings are obviously going to be different when I take him to the vet for his monthly sugar test? In the long run, the Relion will be cheaper, but how will I know if it is accurate for my cat's blood?

 

[BJM]

See my signature link Glucometer Notes for feline-specific reference numbers using various meter types. The information is based on data from research conducted by Dr Rand, an international expert in feline diabetes.
Hundreds of us have used human glucometers with cats, effectively, world wide.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

It is always interesting to me that some people who take in their human meter and compare it on the same blood sample to their vet's pet meter, and get similar readings - within the 30 point variance or so. Others are not as close. But we suggest you just work with your meter; we are most interested in patterns and trends so it works out fine in the end. When you meet with your vet, you can take your meter along and see how close they are. Take BJ's glucometer notes so your vet sees how we are dealing with the references.

 

[Mitzelplik's Mom]

Think of it as if one meter is Fahrenheit and the other is Celsius. They're both right - they just read in different ranges.