testing blood sugar at home

[corlev]

Junior has diabetes, and recently, he is taking the right amount to get his numbers down. Now I am afraid his number might go too low, and I would like to monitor it at home when I feel he needs it. Is there any easy way to do this? I do have a kit. Right now I am taking him in once a week for testing, but I am uneasy. He is usually very upset when being handled, but he takes his shots well. Thanks.

[kk]

Hi,

I, like you, was not comfortable giving insulin without without testing blood. I found the site www.felinediabetes.com to be a valuable source of information. That is where I learned of testing at home, and the vet tech at my vet's office had also found that same site and was able to work with me in learning the best techniques to test at home. I got a glucose monitor that required very tiny amounts of blood and was easy to use. I stuck my baby's ear for the sample. You need to hold a cotton ball behind the area being stuck or you can stick your own finger! Anyway, I hope that you can find the info you need on that site and are able to test at home if you feel more comfortable with that. My cat barely noticed what I was doing. She just did not like me holding her, but the stick itself did not bother her. Good luck, kk

[Traci]

Don't do any of this on your own, your vet needs to be helping you and working with you on any decisions regarding glucose monitors. You need to ensure that Junior is completely regulated before relying on any glucose monitor. Glucose monitors also should not be used in lieu of regular followup checks with your vet.

Same for sites on the net. While there may be information available, no one but your vet knows your kitty and his health, it is your vet that you need to refer to. Please always remember, there are several factors that may affect poor insulin regulation and only your vet can help you address them.

[corlev]

Thank you Traci. I will follow your advice. On his last visit, his blood sugar 25 and got me kind of scared. The vet considered all of the factors, including his high blood sugar the week before and the fact that he threw up in the car, and he left his insulin where it was, and he seems to be doing well. My vet is very concerned, and we are in touch a lot. Following his advice would be the right thing to do.

[kk]

I just want to clarify that I was in no way suggesting you do anything whatsoever without your vet's input at all steps. I did it only after my veterinarian and I discussed every aspect of it, and I always spoke with her before any changes in treatment were implemented. I do not in any way advocate taking matters into your own hands! I also went in for a 'training session' with the vet tech who was the 'expert' on the subject. I felt comfortable that I could perform the testing accurately which is of the utmost importance when performing home testing. It sounds as if you have a great relationship with your vet. Junior will surely live a long and happy life with such good care. kk

[corlev]

Hi, kk. Thanks for your response, and the site was helpful too. It is always good to have ideas on these issues. I do plan to take my kit to the vet this week and ask him about it. It is scary when the number is low. I keep my eye on him for a few hours after the shot to be sure he is okay, and I make sure he eats. Thanks for all the support, and I didn't take it the wrong way. It was very helpful! Sorry I didn't get back to you before.

[corlev]

Yesterday, Junior's blood sugar was 101! It was the first time it was in the normal range. It's amazing how happy the vet staff was, and of course, how happy I was. Junior is finally back to being himself again.