Starting BG Testing Today

[Martie L]

Hi Everyone,
I did, I went and bought a glucose meter, I will be testing Murphy for the first time this evening. I am wondering if I should test before he eats his dinner, we give him dinner about 5:30, or before I give him his insulin, we give insulin at 6:30.
Thanks Martie

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Hi Martie,

What kind of insulin are you using? With Vetsulin, you'd want to test, feed and then shoot. It is a little harsher and you want to be sure food is in his tummy. If Lantus, Levemir or ProZinc, you can test and then shoot while he is eating. But with all insulin, you want to get the test before feeding. Food raises levels and you want a "true" test, uninfluenced by food.

A couple suggestions: Be sure to heat his ear until it is very warm. Try the meter on yourself first so you know how it and the lancet works. Be sure you know where you are aiming - you want to poke the little capillaries that come off the bigger vein, toward the edge of the ear. Be sure to have a treat ready, successful poke or not. And poke with confidence.

Good luck!

 

[blu]

Sue, the poster above, mentioned making sure the ear is warm...

I forgot about this and had to start monitoring my cat again recently - I quickly remembered what a huge difference it makes! Some people make a little rice-in-a-sock thing and warm lightly in the micro - which is a great idea. I find that just a good solid ear rub warms them up enough to get the blood moving. It seems so insignificant but makes a world of difference. I also like to give the ear a nice little rub after the stick as well....I feel like it helps take the sting out! lol!