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Testing for Feline Blood Glucose - the Movie!

It's easier than you think!

Starring: Punkin Pie, Sugarcat   Supporting Cast: Terry   Camera: Dave

Home blood glucose (BG) monitoring gives us major tool for managing a diabetic cat's well being. This test can save your cat's life! It detects if the BG level falls too low -- a potentially deadly emergency (hypoglycemia), alerting you to take prompt action. Home monitoring also shows how well the BG level stays within the 100-300 range.

It turns out that testing for blood glucose is really pretty easy and quick. This video, linked below, shows a typical testing session.

But, before you watch the video, here are some quick tips. For more detailed write-ups, refer to Harry's Page or Bob and Simon's Page.

Set up Your Materials

  • Glucometer (Bayer Elite XL)
    • If your meter is brand new, call the 1-800 number and have the rep walk you through the first-time setup and calibration. Then you'll know it's right. ;)
  • Test strips
  • Lancet pen and lancets
  • Rice-filled sock (heated in microwave for 15 seconds) - OPTIONAL
  • Facial tissue to apply pressure to the puncture after the test
    •

Tips for Success

  • Line up all the materials on your right if you're right handed or on your left if you're left-handed.
  • Start off with some affectionate petting and head scratches
  • Warm the ear before pricking if that helps your cat's blood to flow better
  • Prick going in at a 45 degree angle if you use the lancet bare-handed
  • Push the test strip into the meter, then push again to ensure it is well-seated
  • Avoid aiming the strip under or over the blood drop--touch its tip to the top of the drop at a slight angle
  • CHECK visually to ensure the test strip filled completely
  • PRAISE your pet for cooperating, give hugs and cuddles

I will just point out that at first, Punkin did not like to have his ears handled at all, nor did he like being restrained as I held him pinned for the tests. The pricks did not hurt, but it was strange and new and a little weird for him. Possibly, the click of the lancet and beep of the meter so close to his ears startled him. But, as he got used to the routine, he became more relaxed and much more cooperative.

About the video (and apologies)

The 1.5 minute video is pretty raw (quick and dirty, to be more accurate). And, it has the usual flaws of video files optimized for the web. I've provided two different formats. If you have RealPlayer, that's a faster download than the QuickTime version. Download RealPlayer
Download Quicktime

Dave shot the video using an Olympus C3030 digital camera in video mode. The original file size was 8.8 MG. The video was imported into Adobe Premier and optimized with MediaCleaner's Cleaner 5 EZ.

I'm experimenting with different editing software to make a more polished and more compressed version, but I don't know when I'll finish that.