Pet Glucose Meters vs. Human Glucose Meters

by Robin

Two months ago, my 13-year-old male cat Zulu was diagnosed as having feline diabetes. Zulu is a beautiful long haired manx. Now, after many visits to my veterinarian to do glucose monitoring, it was suggested that I might want to use a home monitor. I have done literally hours of research to find what meter would be best suited for my cat and have come away with two points:
1.) Only use a pet meter for the most accurate results.
2.) If you are to use human meters, choose one that can utilize the smallest blood sample such as, Freesyle Lite.

Can someone help me sort this out please?

Thank you for your response,
Robin


Dear Robin,

Thank you for writing in with your question. I recommend home monitoring for many of my feline diabetes patients, and have always used human glucometers in my practice and as recommendations for my clients.

Human glucose meters have the benefit of easy access to additional test strips and batteries from your local pharmacy. I would advocate for choosing a glucometer that requires a very small blood sample for testing, which is very easy to do today. The most important thing, however, is to measure your chosen glucometer's accuracy. You should bring the meter you choose to your veterinarian's office and ask them to compare the results from your meter with their own meter, or to test a blood sample on your meter and have it compared with an outside laboratory's results.

Keep in mind that all glucometers are going to vary at least slightly from one another, even a dedicated pet glucose meter, so whichever version you choose to use for monitoring your cat’s diabetes, you should verify your reading results with your veterinarian’s results.

Best wishes,
Dr. Neely