We have successfully completed our first Glucose Curve at home!

[Sprkl]

Unfortunately, I was a very stressful/painful process. Probably not so much for the patient, but definitely for the care givers.

Mouse was really quite good, save for one of the tests where I had to poke her ear several times (operator error on my part, being too timid with the poker). We considered using the lancing device that came in the `kit' that we purchased, but since the tip is not transparent, I didn't feel like having to guess where the lancet needle would actually land on the ear. We may opt for a new lancing device...or perhaps even changing to the Freestyle meter so that we can eliminate blood collecting entirely; I just have to get over the stigma of having a small hockey puck affixed to Mouse. I'm sure I'm over reacting, but I digress.

Our last visit to our vet was a consultation where after explaining that Mouse had made, what appeared to be, a major turn for the better (much less water/urine issues, more friendly, vocal, etc.) we decided to buy a BGM and do the first curve (at home) ourselves. The results of the first curve are obviously disappointing and likely confirms that Mouse will need to begin receiving insulin.

I suppose the next hurdle will be determining what type of insulin as well as which regulation/treatment is best for Mouse. She's 15 and otherwise appears to be healthy and happy.

Thanks for listening.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

You might want to try just using the lancet by itself when testing, I feel like you can see much better where you are aiming
Are you using 26 or 28 gauge lancets

You might want to get your spreadsheet ready to enter Mouse's numbers on
I'll give you the instructions, if you have trouble just ask and we can have someone set it up for you.

Also once he starts insulin you can add your signature it's at the end of everyone's post in gray along with the spreadsheet

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-create-a-spreadsheet.241706/

This link will tell you have to create a SS and also how to use it

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-how-you-can-help-us-help-you.216696/

This link will tell you how to set up your signature once you start giving insulin

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Don't know where you live but if you go with Lantus we can tell you where to purchase it, most of us in the US purchase it from Canada , way less expensive than in the US

I'm pretty sure if you live in Canada you won't need a script

 

[Sprkl]

Thanks for all of that useful info! I like the thought of trying the lancet by itself without the device (for now); no idea what gauge they are. They're multi coloured which tells me nothing about size. LOL!

We are in BC, so I also `thought' that insulin here was available OTC, but when I asked our vet about that...she said that she thinks it's only available OTC in the U.S.?! Yikes!

I appreciate the offer to help set up her spreadsheet, but I like to learn so that I can `pay it forward' to help others, too...just like you and the wonderful community here does.


We've sent the curve to our vet and will be hoping to get this party started ASAP! We can do this!

 

[Yvonne & Simon]

Thanks for all of that useful info! I like the thought of trying the lancet by itself without the device (for now); no idea what gauge they are. They're multi coloured which tells me nothing about size. LOL!

We are in BC, so I also `thought' that insulin here was available OTC, but when I asked our vet about that...she said that she thinks it's only available OTC in the U.S.?! Yikes!

I appreciate the offer to help set up her spreadsheet, but I like to learn so that I can `pay it forward' to help others, too...just like you and the wonderful community here does.


We've sent the curve to our vet and will be hoping to get this party started ASAP! We can do this!

I am also located in BC, and just went through this process myself last week. Yes, no prescription is needed for insulin in BC. My vet was aware of this, but she also said that some pharmacies might be a bit fussier than others, so may ask for one, although it is not actually needed.

I have priced diabetes supplies and they are significantly cheaper at Costco! I think the insulin was too, but to be honest, by the time I went there to get everything else, I bought it there without checking the price (5 x 3 ml 100U/ml Lantus cartridges were about $100).

If you get a pen for the insulin, keep in mind that they can only dose whole units of insulin. And while you are working out your cat's dosage, there is a good chance you will need to do part units. The only way you can do this, is with syringes. So you'll likely need to pick yourself up some of those as well. Get the 3/10ml size with 1/2 unit markings. Best price for those is Costco as well. I think someone mentioned to me that Safeway and Superstore also had good pricing as well, but I don't shop at those two places.

I am not using the lancet device on my cat. I think that some of them poke too deeply and it is too hard to see where the point is going. Much easier just to do it with just the lancet itself.
I was wandering through this site yesterday and found this really good information on testing that was SUPER helpful!
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

You can adjust the lancet device to make it more shallow or deeper.
I liked to use the device but I know others don’t.

 

[Sprkl]

Thank you both for the helpful information. I've resisted the `zombie-like' call to become a Costco member....up until now, but it looks like that's going to change. Who'd have thought that our little Mouse would be the `cat'alyst for a Costco card?!