If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Best glucometer for cat?
Hi everybody,
I've read some old threads about this, but with new glucometers always on the market I thought I'd ask again. My cat, Rusty, spent the night in the ER vet's because he went extremely hypoglycemic yesterday (20). He's still in the regulation stage and has been taking a rather large dose of ultralente insulin. Anyway, I think in the future I am going to need to know more than just a "Negative" urine test. I need to know how low. So those of you who use glucometers on a cat, what kind do you like? Thanks, Amanda |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
"Amanda Robin" wrote in message ... Hi everybody, I've read some old threads about this, but with new glucometers always on the market I thought I'd ask again. My cat, Rusty, spent the night in the ER vet's because he went extremely hypoglycemic yesterday (20). He's still in the regulation stage and has been taking a rather large dose of ultralente insulin. Anyway, I think in the future I am going to need to know more than just a "Negative" urine test. I need to know how low. So those of you who use glucometers on a cat, what kind do you like? Thanks, Amanda Fortunately, I have never had to use glucometer for a cat, but I know there are others on this group who will respond. However, I may still have a bit of input that could help you because *I* was recently diagnosed as diabetic. I am using the FreeStyle glucometer (manufactured by TheraSense). It is very easy to use and requires only a tiny drop of blood for testing. You can also easily download results to your computer (using a cable sold by TheraSense for $19.99), and you can configure the software to use whatever "high" and "low" readings are appropriate. It takes only seconds to download test results, and the software will flag abnormal readings -- and maintain a history for continuous evaluation. TheraSense also manufactures FreeStyle Flash. This supposedly is the smallest meter on the market, and I think it includes a cable for downloading. MaryL |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
"Amanda Robin" wrote in message ... Hi everybody, I've read some old threads about this, but with new glucometers always on the market I thought I'd ask again. My cat, Rusty, spent the night in the ER vet's because he went extremely hypoglycemic yesterday (20). He's still in the regulation stage and has been taking a rather large dose of ultralente insulin. Anyway, I think in the future I am going to need to know more than just a "Negative" urine test. I need to know how low. So those of you who use glucometers on a cat, what kind do you like? Thanks, Amanda Fortunately, I have never had to use glucometer for a cat, but I know there are others on this group who will respond. However, I may still have a bit of input that could help you because *I* was recently diagnosed as diabetic. I am using the FreeStyle glucometer (manufactured by TheraSense). It is very easy to use and requires only a tiny drop of blood for testing. You can also easily download results to your computer (using a cable sold by TheraSense for $19.99), and you can configure the software to use whatever "high" and "low" readings are appropriate. It takes only seconds to download test results, and the software will flag abnormal readings -- and maintain a history for continuous evaluation. TheraSense also manufactures FreeStyle Flash. This supposedly is the smallest meter on the market, and I think it includes a cable for downloading. MaryL |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
We use the Bayer Elite system--very easy to use since it "sucks up"
the blood from the cat's ear rather than having to try and get a large droplet that needs to land just in the right spot on the strip. Amaretto has been diabetic for almost 4 years--and is managing just fine! We'd be happy to answer any other questions! PegNDerek On Wed, 18 Aug 2004 12:18:52 GMT, Amanda Robin wrote: Hi everybody, I've read some old threads about this, but with new glucometers always on the market I thought I'd ask again. My cat, Rusty, spent the night in the ER vet's because he went extremely hypoglycemic yesterday (20). He's still in the regulation stage and has been taking a rather large dose of ultralente insulin. Anyway, I think in the future I am going to need to know more than just a "Negative" urine test. I need to know how low. So those of you who use glucometers on a cat, what kind do you like? Thanks, Amanda "Scientists' say intelligent life sprang from the sea. Really intelligent life returns to the sea now and then." |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
PegNDerek wrote:
We use the Bayer Elite system--very easy to use since it "sucks up" the blood from the cat's ear rather than having to try and get a large droplet that needs to land just in the right spot on the strip. My cat was diagnosed in January, and I use a Bayer (Ascensia) Elite, too. The strips are a little cheaper than some of the other models that also use a small volume and suck up the blood. The LifeScan One Touch Ultra is also popular. -- jamie ) "There's a seeker born every minute." |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
PegNDerek wrote:
We use the Bayer Elite system--very easy to use since it "sucks up" the blood from the cat's ear rather than having to try and get a large droplet that needs to land just in the right spot on the strip. My cat was diagnosed in January, and I use a Bayer (Ascensia) Elite, too. The strips are a little cheaper than some of the other models that also use a small volume and suck up the blood. The LifeScan One Touch Ultra is also popular. -- jamie ) "There's a seeker born every minute." |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
We use the Bayer Elite system--very easy to use since it "sucks up"
the blood from the cat's ear rather than having to try and get a large droplet that needs to land just in the right spot on the strip. Amaretto has been diabetic for almost 4 years--and is managing just fine! We'd be happy to answer any other questions! PegNDerek On Wed, 18 Aug 2004 12:18:52 GMT, Amanda Robin wrote: Hi everybody, I've read some old threads about this, but with new glucometers always on the market I thought I'd ask again. My cat, Rusty, spent the night in the ER vet's because he went extremely hypoglycemic yesterday (20). He's still in the regulation stage and has been taking a rather large dose of ultralente insulin. Anyway, I think in the future I am going to need to know more than just a "Negative" urine test. I need to know how low. So those of you who use glucometers on a cat, what kind do you like? Thanks, Amanda "Scientists' say intelligent life sprang from the sea. Really intelligent life returns to the sea now and then." |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
"Amanda Robin" wrote in message ... Hi everybody, I've read some old threads about this, but with new glucometers always on the market I thought I'd ask again. The most accurate hand-held glucometer you can buy is the Accu-Chek II meter. I've compared several meters to my Beckman bench glucose analyzer (the most accurate glucose analyzer there is), and the Accu-Check II was the most accurate and consistant. My cat, Rusty, spent the night in the ER vet's because he went extremely hypoglycemic yesterday (20). He's still in the regulation stage and has been taking a rather large dose of ultralente insulin. Ultralente is unpredictable in many cats. I've had the best luck with regular and lente insulin, and PZI in cats that are difficult to regulate on human insulin. Anyway, I think in the future I am going to need to know more than just a "Negative" urine test. I need to know how low. Urine glucose monitoring has some very serious limitations for cats. For one, a "negative" dipstick doesn't let you know if the cat is hypoglycemic - the sticks don't go below "negative". Second; cats have a high renal threshold that can vary from 200 mg/dl to 290 mg/dl. So, a "negative" stick could mean the cat is regulated or not regulated and is still hyperglycemic. Third: The urine in the bladder is an accumulation of urine over several hours, so the reading you get does not represent urine glucose at the time its tested. Fourth: There's a lag time between hyperglycemia and glucosuria. IOW, it could take several hours before hyperglycemia shows up in the urine. Dipsticks are good for detecting ketones in the urine (ketonuria) which can lead to ketoacidosis. Blood glucose testing is much more accurate than urine glucose. Here's how you check a cat's blood glucose: http://maxshouse.com/bgtest.rm The bottom line is that most cats can be regulated and diabetic many cats have very good quality of life; in some cats, the process of regulation might involve a bit more work - but its well worth the extra effort. Good luck, Phil |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Hi,
I'm not sure who originated this post, but I'd like to extend an offer to their cat. I've been recently diagnosed with diabetes, and well my insurance pays for my glucomteter, needles and strips. I was given an extra set of everything as a door prize at a diabetic clinic, lol - I still laugh over that. Anyhow, if you need a glucomter (sorry, it measures by canadian standards of mmol and not the american standards) I would be more than happy to send it by mail to your cat. "Phil P." wrote in message ... "Amanda Robin" wrote in message ... Hi everybody, I've read some old threads about this, but with new glucometers always on the market I thought I'd ask again. The most accurate hand-held glucometer you can buy is the Accu-Chek II meter. I've compared several meters to my Beckman bench glucose analyzer (the most accurate glucose analyzer there is), and the Accu-Check II was the most accurate and consistant. My cat, Rusty, spent the night in the ER vet's because he went extremely hypoglycemic yesterday (20). He's still in the regulation stage and has been taking a rather large dose of ultralente insulin. Ultralente is unpredictable in many cats. I've had the best luck with regular and lente insulin, and PZI in cats that are difficult to regulate on human insulin. Anyway, I think in the future I am going to need to know more than just a "Negative" urine test. I need to know how low. Urine glucose monitoring has some very serious limitations for cats. For one, a "negative" dipstick doesn't let you know if the cat is hypoglycemic - the sticks don't go below "negative". Second; cats have a high renal threshold that can vary from 200 mg/dl to 290 mg/dl. So, a "negative" stick could mean the cat is regulated or not regulated and is still hyperglycemic. Third: The urine in the bladder is an accumulation of urine over several hours, so the reading you get does not represent urine glucose at the time its tested. Fourth: There's a lag time between hyperglycemia and glucosuria. IOW, it could take several hours before hyperglycemia shows up in the urine. Dipsticks are good for detecting ketones in the urine (ketonuria) which can lead to ketoacidosis. Blood glucose testing is much more accurate than urine glucose. Here's how you check a cat's blood glucose: http://maxshouse.com/bgtest.rm The bottom line is that most cats can be regulated and diabetic many cats have very good quality of life; in some cats, the process of regulation might involve a bit more work - but its well worth the extra effort. Good luck, Phil |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Hi,
I'm not sure who originated this post, but I'd like to extend an offer to their cat. I've been recently diagnosed with diabetes, and well my insurance pays for my glucomteter, needles and strips. I was given an extra set of everything as a door prize at a diabetic clinic, lol - I still laugh over that. Anyhow, if you need a glucomter (sorry, it measures by canadian standards of mmol and not the american standards) I would be more than happy to send it by mail to your cat. "Phil P." wrote in message ... "Amanda Robin" wrote in message ... Hi everybody, I've read some old threads about this, but with new glucometers always on the market I thought I'd ask again. The most accurate hand-held glucometer you can buy is the Accu-Chek II meter. I've compared several meters to my Beckman bench glucose analyzer (the most accurate glucose analyzer there is), and the Accu-Check II was the most accurate and consistant. My cat, Rusty, spent the night in the ER vet's because he went extremely hypoglycemic yesterday (20). He's still in the regulation stage and has been taking a rather large dose of ultralente insulin. Ultralente is unpredictable in many cats. I've had the best luck with regular and lente insulin, and PZI in cats that are difficult to regulate on human insulin. Anyway, I think in the future I am going to need to know more than just a "Negative" urine test. I need to know how low. Urine glucose monitoring has some very serious limitations for cats. For one, a "negative" dipstick doesn't let you know if the cat is hypoglycemic - the sticks don't go below "negative". Second; cats have a high renal threshold that can vary from 200 mg/dl to 290 mg/dl. So, a "negative" stick could mean the cat is regulated or not regulated and is still hyperglycemic. Third: The urine in the bladder is an accumulation of urine over several hours, so the reading you get does not represent urine glucose at the time its tested. Fourth: There's a lag time between hyperglycemia and glucosuria. IOW, it could take several hours before hyperglycemia shows up in the urine. Dipsticks are good for detecting ketones in the urine (ketonuria) which can lead to ketoacidosis. Blood glucose testing is much more accurate than urine glucose. Here's how you check a cat's blood glucose: http://maxshouse.com/bgtest.rm The bottom line is that most cats can be regulated and diabetic many cats have very good quality of life; in some cats, the process of regulation might involve a bit more work - but its well worth the extra effort. Good luck, Phil |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|