Finally Got Our Testing Supplies

So we have our meter, the Relion Confirm, and everything else and I just wanted to make sure I understand how to do the testing properly, since we will try for the first time tonight.

You withhold any food for at least two hours before testing, then you test first, feed and give the insulin shot if the number warrants it, correct? Do you need to wait a certain amount of time between testing and feeding or does it not matter? Since it will be our first time trying to test, I imagine we should maybe give ourselves some time in between them to get it done (or not, if it's a failure, as I understand it can be sometimes when first starting out).

I know there's a "no shoot" number, where if his glucose is a certain number or lower, you don't give the insulin. What is that number? I think I remember it being 200 or so, but just want to be sure.

If we're not able to get a successful test, should we still give him his shot?

Is it necessary to test again sometime after giving the insulin shot? If so, how long afterwards?

And also, what is the control solution that is mentioned on the outside of the box of the meter? Is that required to use the meter?

I would really appreciate answers to these questions and if there's anything else I need to know, please say so.

 

You can Feed right after the test. Correct in the beginning we advise not to shoot under 200. It's a good idea to get some mid cycle tests when you can, especially around 4-6 hours after injection.

 

The control solution is like game blood to test the that the meter is working. I only used it twice . I wouldn't worry about it.

I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home.

 

At a minimum you want to always test for your AMPS, PMPS, and a test before you go to bed. They tend to go lower in levels at night time. Once you start getting the hang of things test randomly whenever you can during the cycle. Maybe one day test at +4 and +6, and the next day test at +3 and +5. You want to find the spots that the insulin seems to be working at its peak, and when it starts to wear off. Since you are going to start testing you should set up your spreadsheet and start recording all your results in it. Once you have it set up you can put the link in your signature so everyone can see and give advice when you post.

 

I test while Callie starts eating. The food distracted her and she doesn't notice the test.

 

Your CC is so calm during testing. I hope Victor does that well, or at least eventually. What about it if we're not able to get a successful test? Do we still give him the insulin? And no food for at least two hours before testing, right?

 

Here's something I wrote up for others for testing...maybe it'll help you too!

It can be really helpful to establish a routine with testing. Pick one spot that you want your "testing spot" to be (I like the kitchen counter because it's got good light and it's at a good height....it also already blocked 2 escape routes due to the wall and the backsplash) It can be anywhere though...a rug on the floor, a table, a particular spot on the couch...wherever is good for you.

Take him there as many times a day as you can and just give his ears a quick rub and then he gets a yummy (low carb) treat.Most cats aren't objecting so much with the poking..it's the fooling with their ears they don't like, but once they're desensitized to it and learn to associate a certain place with the treats, they usually start to come when they're called! Or even when they hear us opening the test kit!

You also have to remember...you're not poking him to hurt him...you're testing him to keep him safe and understand what's going on inside his body. There's just nothing better than truly understanding what's going on inside your kitty's body and with this disease, the more knowledge you have, the more power you have against it. The edges of the ears have very few pain receptors, so it really doesn't hurt them. Also, if you're nervous and tense, it's going to make your kitty nervous and tense too. As silly as it might seem, try singing! It forces you to use a different part of your brain!

It's also important to make sure his ear is warm. A small sock filled with a little rice and microwaved or a small pill bottle filled with warm water (check temp against your wrist like you would a baby bottle) works well

For new kitties, using a heavier gauge lancet is also really helpful.A 25-28 gauge lancet pokes a bigger "hole" than a 31-33 gauge lancet does, so look for "Alternate Site testing" lancets that are usually a lower number

Finding the right "treat" will be a great help too! Freeze dried chicken, bonito flakes, little pieces of baked chicken...whatever low carb treat you can find that he really enjoys will help him to associate the testing with the treat! China's Achilles heel was baked chicken, so I'd bake a piece, chop it into bite sized pieces, put some in the refrigerator and freeze the rest to use as needed. It didn't take long for her to come any time I picked up the meter!

Take a 5-10 minute break and try again

I wouldn't give Humulin without a test....better too high for a day than too low for a moment

Right....for your "Pre-shot" tests....tests done at other times don't matter, but for PS tests, you want them done without the influence of food

 

Thank you for the tips and answers

 

In the beginning she wasn’t as cooperative. Now she doesn't care most of the time unless she's very hungry. Then she's impatient and grumbles.

Would I shoot anyway. Well in the beginning when I couldn't always get a successful test I did shot anyway only because it was pretty clear her numbers were really high and I knew I was going to have to increase the dose. I never saw under the 300's the first two week of testing, even when it was supposed to be lowest. If you find that your numbers are very high... Like always in the 300-400 range I would shoot. If you find your numbers are not that high you could either skip or give a reduced dose. Once I was able to more consistently get a reading I increased my dose.

 

Also, should we go ahead and give ourselves some extra time between testing and feeding to try a few times to get a successful test?

 

Here are some useful tips:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

 

We wrap Josie in a towel. She’s *much* better now than at first, but I think being swaddled is comforting to her. (Plus it takes her claws out of play, just in case!). It only took a few days for her to resign herself to testing, and now she comes and sits on the towel for us to wrap her when it’s time.

Over-eager mistake we made: after two successful tests, we jumped right into doing a curve. I wish we had waited a couple of days, by which time her ears may have been bleeding better, our technique certainly would have been better, and she may have started to realize that having her ear pricked wasn’t a sign of Armageddon.

 

Thanks for mentioning that doing a curve would be better after a few more days of practice, I'll remember that.