This is a continuation, please read the first part here.
It has been over a month now of testing the iPet. I received a new meter and control solution. The new meter works fine and the control solution is within range.
For over a month I’ve been using the iPet along side my Alpha Trak meter. Out of the 20 tests I’ve done with the iPet, I’ve only gotten 3 comparative reads to the Alpha Trak. Most of the time the iPet results are low by 50 to 100+ points.
The biggest issue I noticed was the meter beeping signalling it had enough blood when it might not. Other’s have pointed out that they keep the strip on the blood even after it beeps. Which I do too. But the other issue is the amount of blood needed. The Alpha Trak requires a very small amount of blood. About the size of a grain of uncooked rice. The iPet needs triple that.
In Bender’s case he doesn’t always bleed as much as I’d like. Constantly poking him in the ear with a lancet is not comfortable for him either.
I can get over the unnecessary step of putting the chip in the meter based on the bottle. The real frustration of the iPet meter for me is the question “Did I get enough blood on the strip to get an accurate read?” Which ultimately comes down to “Is the reading accurate?”
My Alpha Trak meter has proven itself with accurate reads against my Vet’s machine and their Alpha Trak Meter.
If you have any experiences with either the Alpha Trak, the iPet or any other member please comment. I don’t want to give up on the iPet just yet.
I’ve had the exact same experience with the ipet I got from ADW (great site BTW!!)
The ipet reads consistently different (usually low) about 75-100 points compared to our alpha trak… enough that I don’t trust using it with my cats delicate diabetic condition.
Tyler,
How much blood are you putting on the strip? Enough to fill the window? Or just until the iPet beeps?
Thanks Jeff for putting so much time into this site! My dog was just diagnosed with diabetes as well, and I feel pretty much in the dark about the whole thing. Meters, treats, insulin…??? So much to learn in a short amount of time. It’s nice to learn through someone who cares this much about his pet and who has obviously had the same questions. I’m glad to have found your blog and will be visiting frequently I’m sure.
Thanks again!
Jeff
Sorry missed your reply some time ago, but I check back here every now and again when I can.
I was putting a good amount of blood when I could, just keeping it in for a while and trying to fill the blood channel it shows. I also use ears but that’s more difficult to keep for a long period of time with a cat!
With the iPet meter you need to fill the window but not over fill it. And even if it beeps, you still need to make sure the window is filled.
If you don’t get enough blood, it won’t give proper results.
Personally after using the iPet, I’m not a fan. It just left me second guessing the results.
I have an 8 1/2 year old Schnauzer, recently diagnosed with diabetes (less than a year) but my Vet does not like home glacometers & can’t/won’t help me?
Planning to order a glucometer for home testing ASAP, she has been in the hospital this past week due to glucose imbalance; almost in irreversible diabetic shock.
Trying to decide between AccuTrax (sp) by Abbott & the iPet.
As I have read, it is the test strips that are so costly for AccuTrax vs iPet but it seems that everyone trusts & likes the one by Abbott best. The strips for testing are still cheap compared to a 7 day hospital stay (over $6,000), seems I could buy a lot of strips for that cost plus not put Shelbi Rae through such a horrifying, nearly death experience.
Which do you recommend as I need to purchase ASAP; currently will have to go to Vet daily for testing until she is back in control, (cost of $20/$25 per test).
I would appreciate any suggestions & help.
Thank you in advance.
Cheri
Cheri,
If your Vet is unwilling to help with home testing, find a new Vet. Part of a Vet’s job is to help you, the pet owner provide the best care for your dog. Testing at home will help you in many ways:
– Test more often.
– Give you the ability to adjust insulin needs.
– Less stress on the dog.
Being able to test at home is very important since insulin needs change.
I am guessing you are talking about the AlphaTrak 2.
http://www.adwdiabetes.com/product/alphatrak-pet-glucose-meter-kit_2752.htm
That meter or the PetTest
http://www.amazon.com/PetTest-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-Kit/dp/B00WM2FQTO/
Unless improvements have been made to the iPet meter, stay away from it. When I tried it, it wasn’t accurate at all.
If you haven’t done so already, read through my blog and all the comments. There is a lot of good information.
-Jeff