Recommendations?

[Yong & Maury GA]

Good evening everyone!
I wanted to ask what type/brand of home testing meter some of you may be using here because my kitty started on ProZinc, Monday 9 January 2017. Details in my signature. I find myself being more worried because I started his insulin and I am managing this partially blind. The only thing I am able to test is his Ketones with the DIASTIX strips for his urine. I am sort of scared to do home testing but I know it is what will be best for his care and that's what matters to me. If anyone from the U.S. comments, then could you include some pricing for the meter and testing strips? I have seen a few mentions of Wal Mart, which usually has the better prices, but if someone has found otherwise, please say so .

Thank you, as always!

 

[StephG]

I use ReliOn Prime. It uses a bigger drop than the micro (I think that's the name) one but the strips are cheaper.
I bought the meter for around $10 from Walmart and the strips are 100 for $17.88
I test A LOT so this is the cheapest option for me.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Welcome! Here is a thread with lots of info on home testing:

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

As Steph does, most people use one of the ReliOn meters. It is not the initial cost of the meter that is expensive; it is the price of the strips that is the bigger cost.

It looks like you are transitioning from dry to wet. That's a great idea. Testing will let you stay on top of the numbers while changing (which can reduce levels as much as 100 points)

Let us know if you need help.

 

[Lisa and Smoky]

I use the Relion Micro as it requires only a small drop of blood. I bought a starter kit for $20 from Walmart which includes the meter, lancing device, lancets, test strips, and a booklet to record test results. I think the meter by itself is $20 but the strips are more than the Prime, $35 for 100. Smoky has circulation problems so a meter which takes smaller drops works better for him. I have an Alpha Trak 2 pet meter that I use to do a curve on him on occasion, test his sugar every two hours for 12 hours to see how low he goes. You can do that later after you are more comfortable with home testing. Lots of people here who will help you every step of the way. The AT 2 pet meter strips are insanely expensive though, about $60 for 50 of them.

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

Thank you all. Correct as my primary cost concern is not the meter itself but the replacement strips, which it sounds like many people go through a bit especially when doing a curve. Might try to go look for a kit today because doing this without knowing if there has been any change since diagnosis is making me paranoid.

 

[JanetNJ]

I like the Alphatrack, but the strips are expensive. I like having the same meter as my vet, and the accuracy is reassuring. That being said, if the cost was an issue I would get a human meter such as relion micro since it also takes a small blood drop.