Tracking Blood Glucose at Home
A stable cat with diabetes should have blood glucose in the range of 120–300 mg/dL for most of a 24-hour period.
A handheld glucometer is one way to monitor these levels. Handheld glucometers are not crucial, but are easy to use and may be worth the investment. Ask your veterinarian which model best suits you and your cat's needs.
Collecting and Testing a Blood Sample
Blood can usually be collected more easily from the earflap (pinna) of your cat. If your cat is not tolerant of this collection site, consult with your veterinarian on alternate sites. Some cats may prefer sampling from the paw pad. A glucometer or glucose test strips are needed to test the blood. Check instructions from your glucometer or test strips, or consult your veterinarian.
Testing Using a Glucometer
First, insert test strip into meter, then obtain a small blood drop from the animal. Touch the test strip to the blood drop per instructions. Read the instructions provided with your glucometer before use.
Testing With Blood Glucose Test
Blood glucose strips are used to measure blood glucose concentration. A drop of blood is placed on the pad at the end of the strip and left for a specified amount of time. Then the pad is wiped and the color is checked against the chart on the container. Read the instructions provided with the test strips before use.
Recording your cat's results is important to properly manage care. Keep track using the Pet Diabetes Tracker app or the online Blood Glucose Curve Tool.
Tracking Tools & Resources
- Pet Diabetes Tracker app
Review and keep important information to manage care.
- Blood Glucose Curve Tool
Easily record blood glucose readings to generate a blood glucose curve.
- Helpful Downloads
Additional resources to understand and manage cat diabetes.
