Well, you should probably run that by your vet, since she is responsible for knowing how and what units are used when doing bloodwork. I would also make darn sure that 'calculation' is what they are doing and if it is correct.
(our metric system uses mg for milligram, g for gram, etc, doesn't make sense to make them backwards)
Regent strips shouldn't be relied on specifically to monitor urine. While they can be helpful, it is better to measure blood and urine glucose together, or, at least a frequent blood glucose curve to be accurate.
Tommy has diabetes
Re: Tommy has diabetes
..........Traci
When I first mentioned this apparent discrepancy to her there was stunned silence on the phone (see a previous thread) and she was a bit impatient with me. But the next day, Saturday I think, she called me back and sounded differently. Obviously she had thought about it and realised that I had a point. I talked with her today, and she said she also talked to the lab technician who had said the same thing (that the two ways of writing mean the same thing).
In Europe, or at least in Germany, don't know about the other countries, we use gm as an abbreviation for gram. I don't know if they still do it, maybe it's an old fashioned way. And India has been occupied by many European countries, so maybe they got from there. What had confused me most was the %. I find it weird that they use it to indicate decilitre, but since two different people have confirmed this now, it's probably true.
Five reagent strip tests have all been negative. We are trying to get more sterile urine jars (the hospital close to us is on strike!). Will do urine testing soon-ish!
A friend of mine mentioned a device called glucometer - my vet said it's available here. Since Tommy was so upset the last time we took blood, do you think it would be a better way?
In Europe, or at least in Germany, don't know about the other countries, we use gm as an abbreviation for gram. I don't know if they still do it, maybe it's an old fashioned way. And India has been occupied by many European countries, so maybe they got from there. What had confused me most was the %. I find it weird that they use it to indicate decilitre, but since two different people have confirmed this now, it's probably true.
Five reagent strip tests have all been negative. We are trying to get more sterile urine jars (the hospital close to us is on strike!). Will do urine testing soon-ish!
A friend of mine mentioned a device called glucometer - my vet said it's available here. Since Tommy was so upset the last time we took blood, do you think it would be a better way?
Update: we tested 7 times with Diastix, it was negative each time. We tested for ketones as well, there are no ketones in the urine.
Yesterday we collected urine and had it tested in the lab, again there was no glucose nor ketones found in the urine.
Is this good news?
We will do another blood test. The problem is that my vet is too advanced in her pregnancy to travel anymore, so she can't come to our apartment. What should I do:
1) wait for her assistent to come back from a trip on the 23rd this month and come to take the blood?
2) take Tommy to her office (she still works there in the mornings)? The problem with that is that Tommy freaks out VERY much when he has to go into the basket, and since blood sugar levels are affected by stress it might not be a good idea.
3) try and find another vet only to come and take blood (maybe they won't want that if it's not their case)?
4) buy a glucometer - but they are expensive and if Tommy turns out not to be diabetic we wasted the money.
Is it essential that the second blood test should be done soon? Or can I wait 10 days for her assistent?
Yesterday we collected urine and had it tested in the lab, again there was no glucose nor ketones found in the urine.
Is this good news?
We will do another blood test. The problem is that my vet is too advanced in her pregnancy to travel anymore, so she can't come to our apartment. What should I do:
1) wait for her assistent to come back from a trip on the 23rd this month and come to take the blood?
2) take Tommy to her office (she still works there in the mornings)? The problem with that is that Tommy freaks out VERY much when he has to go into the basket, and since blood sugar levels are affected by stress it might not be a good idea.
3) try and find another vet only to come and take blood (maybe they won't want that if it's not their case)?
4) buy a glucometer - but they are expensive and if Tommy turns out not to be diabetic we wasted the money.
Is it essential that the second blood test should be done soon? Or can I wait 10 days for her assistent?
Re: Tommy has diabetes
You could probably wait for her or the assistant as long as it isn't any longer than 10 days and as long as Tommy is doing well.
I do not recommend the use of glucometers unless and until glucose curves are done in the clinical setting, and if the diabetes is actually confirmed by your vet, regulated and under control.
Your vet really needs to take this more seriously, read up on feline diabetes, utilize proper testing methods, consider blood glucose curving, and conclude a diagnosis....she is leaving you with uncertainty and if Tommy does not have diabetes but she starts insulin, you're in trouble....likewise, if he is diabetic and she doesn't know how to diagnose and regulate/control it, you're in trouble.
Does she not have a teaching vet available to consult with? How does she and other vets in your area practice vet med without utilizing professional resources, being able to consult their teaching professors, etc?
I do not recommend the use of glucometers unless and until glucose curves are done in the clinical setting, and if the diabetes is actually confirmed by your vet, regulated and under control.
Your vet really needs to take this more seriously, read up on feline diabetes, utilize proper testing methods, consider blood glucose curving, and conclude a diagnosis....she is leaving you with uncertainty and if Tommy does not have diabetes but she starts insulin, you're in trouble....likewise, if he is diabetic and she doesn't know how to diagnose and regulate/control it, you're in trouble.
Does she not have a teaching vet available to consult with? How does she and other vets in your area practice vet med without utilizing professional resources, being able to consult their teaching professors, etc?
..........Traci
Re: Tommy has diabetes
She will not start insuline until all tests are done and diabetes is confirmed. That's why I keep coming back here, so I know exactly what has to be done and understand everything.
I don't understand what you mean by proper testing methods. We have done one blood test. Then tested with Diastix, now did a urine test, and will do another blood test. Is this not the proper way to confirm glucose levels? What other tests should be done? How often should blood tests be repeated, and what is a glucose curve? Is it the same as glucose intolerance testing?
My friend the pediatrician seems to approve of the way she is going about this (blood test, urine test, another blood test). He recommended to do glucose intolerance testing if the second blood test confirms high levels.
I don't know if she has a teaching vet. I will ask her. The thing is she's very big now (pregnancy) and is slowing down a lot. Next month she won't be available anymore for about 6-8 weeks approximately. I don't know who to turn to. There is one small animal vet I don't trust at all (misdiagnosed a friend's dog and he died), another who is better (I think) but he's a cold person and always in a hurry, no chance talking things through with him. And he sent my neighbour home with her cat saying that she is alright now, and the cat died the same night. How can I trust such people? Both of them would never admit if they don't know what to do or made a mistake etc. I don't like them. There are no other recommended vets here. But I will ask a friend of mine who's a dog breeder if he knows someone who is experienced with cats.
My vet has worked with diabetic dogs so this can't be completely new for her. If I asked her if she feels confident she will of course say yes. Indians don't admit weaknesses and shortcomings.
Is there an in-depth website for feline diabetes you would recommend? One that doesn't only give a general description and help to the owner, but also talks about diabetic problems encountered especially in cats and insuline levels, adjustments etc? I could print it out and give it to her.
Traci, I'm scared!
I so wish the lab made a mistake in the first test! For the second test we will give blood to two different labs, to be more sure.
I don't understand what you mean by proper testing methods. We have done one blood test. Then tested with Diastix, now did a urine test, and will do another blood test. Is this not the proper way to confirm glucose levels? What other tests should be done? How often should blood tests be repeated, and what is a glucose curve? Is it the same as glucose intolerance testing?
My friend the pediatrician seems to approve of the way she is going about this (blood test, urine test, another blood test). He recommended to do glucose intolerance testing if the second blood test confirms high levels.
I don't know if she has a teaching vet. I will ask her. The thing is she's very big now (pregnancy) and is slowing down a lot. Next month she won't be available anymore for about 6-8 weeks approximately. I don't know who to turn to. There is one small animal vet I don't trust at all (misdiagnosed a friend's dog and he died), another who is better (I think) but he's a cold person and always in a hurry, no chance talking things through with him. And he sent my neighbour home with her cat saying that she is alright now, and the cat died the same night. How can I trust such people? Both of them would never admit if they don't know what to do or made a mistake etc. I don't like them. There are no other recommended vets here. But I will ask a friend of mine who's a dog breeder if he knows someone who is experienced with cats.
My vet has worked with diabetic dogs so this can't be completely new for her. If I asked her if she feels confident she will of course say yes. Indians don't admit weaknesses and shortcomings.
Is there an in-depth website for feline diabetes you would recommend? One that doesn't only give a general description and help to the owner, but also talks about diabetic problems encountered especially in cats and insuline levels, adjustments etc? I could print it out and give it to her.
Traci, I'm scared!
I so wish the lab made a mistake in the first test! For the second test we will give blood to two different labs, to be more sure.Re: Tommy has diabetes
Basic Introduction to Feline Diabetes in Cats
Nutrition and Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus, Uncomplicated
Current Understanding of Feline Diabetes Mellitus
Therapeutic Goals for Otherwise Healthy Diabetic Cats
Experiences with Blood Glucose Home Monitoring by Owners of Diabetic Dogs and Cats
Nutrition and Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus, Uncomplicated
Current Understanding of Feline Diabetes Mellitus
Therapeutic Goals for Otherwise Healthy Diabetic Cats
Experiences with Blood Glucose Home Monitoring by Owners of Diabetic Dogs and Cats
..........Traci
Thanks a million! Those are very useful!
From one article:
"Clinicians should be aware that stress hyperglycaemia is likely to affect blood glucose estimations in cats if struggling occurs prior to the sample being taken. Blood glucose may be increased by as much as 10 mmol/l above baseline, resulting in values up to 16 mmol/l in normal cats."
That might explain his high level.
Is it posible then to take blood from a cat and get proper results? If we'd take again blood from him it might again be high because he gets so upset and we still don't know for sure if it's diabetes or simply stress.
From one article:
"Clinicians should be aware that stress hyperglycaemia is likely to affect blood glucose estimations in cats if struggling occurs prior to the sample being taken. Blood glucose may be increased by as much as 10 mmol/l above baseline, resulting in values up to 16 mmol/l in normal cats."
That might explain his high level.
Is it posible then to take blood from a cat and get proper results? If we'd take again blood from him it might again be high because he gets so upset and we still don't know for sure if it's diabetes or simply stress.
Re: Tommy has diabetes
That's been my point all along.....and the reason for frequent blood draws, at least to get some sort of consistency factor going.
Drawing blood once every couple or few weeks isn't going to cut it. Because the initial glucose was beyond normal range, your vet should have taken at least two in succession, at least a day or two apart.
Ideally, if she or the assistant could come to your home to draw the blood, that might reduce the stress, but the blood also has to be analyzed quickly in order to give accurate results from the lab.
Drawing blood once every couple or few weeks isn't going to cut it. Because the initial glucose was beyond normal range, your vet should have taken at least two in succession, at least a day or two apart.
Ideally, if she or the assistant could come to your home to draw the blood, that might reduce the stress, but the blood also has to be analyzed quickly in order to give accurate results from the lab.
..........Traci
Re: Tommy has diabetes
Reading and studying the disease (online and from the articles you gave me), I can only agree with you that my vet has no clue apparently, at least not for cats!
She had come to my home for the first blood test, it didn't help Tommy to relax. I understand what you're saying but I don't think that Tommy will be any less panicked if we take blood two or three or even five days in a row - the results will every time be compromised by his fear. So then I would have two or three or more reports all stating high values and I still won't know FOR SURE whether they are diabetes or stress related. I need to test him in some way where he doesn't feel stressed out, so that I can be sure the results are really pointing to diabetes (or not pointing to it). Am I thinking along the right lines?
My husband is saying: Tommy had one high value, taken when he was very stressed. He had several urine tests (sticks and lab) all showing no sugar nor ketones. He has no symptoms of diabetes at all. Should we not simply leave the poor guy be and watch him closely? He feels that the signs point to Tommy being healthy rather than to diabetes, and we would put him under unnessessary stress if we continue blood tests.
She had come to my home for the first blood test, it didn't help Tommy to relax. I understand what you're saying but I don't think that Tommy will be any less panicked if we take blood two or three or even five days in a row - the results will every time be compromised by his fear. So then I would have two or three or more reports all stating high values and I still won't know FOR SURE whether they are diabetes or stress related. I need to test him in some way where he doesn't feel stressed out, so that I can be sure the results are really pointing to diabetes (or not pointing to it). Am I thinking along the right lines?
My husband is saying: Tommy had one high value, taken when he was very stressed. He had several urine tests (sticks and lab) all showing no sugar nor ketones. He has no symptoms of diabetes at all. Should we not simply leave the poor guy be and watch him closely? He feels that the signs point to Tommy being healthy rather than to diabetes, and we would put him under unnessessary stress if we continue blood tests.
Re: Tommy has diabetes
I don't think stress is going to give continued high results on the glucose. Even if it did, it should not produce results as high as the first time.
Refresh my memory, Tommy at one point was drinking alot of water, urinating more, yes? And then after about a week or so, those symptoms disappeared? He is also slightly overweight, yes? Have you had him weighed since you first had him tested? Has he developed any other unusual symptoms, such as sitting by the water dish, drinking excessively, urinating excessively, clear, diluted or sweet-smelling urine, weakness or lethargy, weight loss?
Refresh my memory, Tommy at one point was drinking alot of water, urinating more, yes? And then after about a week or so, those symptoms disappeared? He is also slightly overweight, yes? Have you had him weighed since you first had him tested? Has he developed any other unusual symptoms, such as sitting by the water dish, drinking excessively, urinating excessively, clear, diluted or sweet-smelling urine, weakness or lethargy, weight loss?
..........Traci