This web site evolved from our personal experiences in testing Blood Glucose in our cat, Harry, with the Elite XL, using the Ear Prick method. Our methods may or may not work for you and your pet. Be flexible and try other approaches. We have expanded the site to include other meters and the lip prick technique for dogs, but the most complete descriptions are found in the section about doing an Ear Prick on a Cat and using the Elite XL, please read that section and excuse the bias when it appears elsewhere. Glossary of Diabetic Terminology Abbreviations Monitoring your cat or dog's blood glucose level at home with a glucometer like human diabetics use can help you to manage their diabetes more wisely.
Many factors affect insulin activity.
The primary task is to balance the amount and type of food given with the characteristic absorption and metabolism of the insulin administered to your individual cat. A cat or dog that eats more than usual, will have a higher BG, one that eats less or vomits will have a lower BG and may need less insulin than usual to prevent hypoglycemia. Stress and infection tend to raise BGs, exercise tends to lower them. With so many things affecting BG levels, your diabetic pet may have different responses to the same dose of insulin on different days. Advantages of Home Blood Glucose Testing for Diabetic Pets.