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  • #1

    Fructosamine Testing

    Hello Everyone,

    I started this new thread in hopes to get numerous replies on subject.

    My vet recommended doing a fructosamine test on my bichon Lacie as her glucose levels are still a bit unstable (100's - high 300's).

    Whatever information you can offer on this would be helpful. Is it something that you think is necessary and what will it indicate?

    Has anyone had this done on their pup and did it help with regulation?

    Thanks much!
    Brenda
    11 yr. old Bichon Frise...Diagnosed April 2015...Novolin 2x/day; snacks- frozen green beans, dehydrated chicken piece and frozen pumpkin pieces.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Fructosamine Testing

    I don't think the fructosamine test will tell you anything that home testing doesn't already tell you.

    In fact, I'm afraid it might actually give poor / false information! Since it's an average over a period of time, it might not show low BG because the lows are averaged with higher BG levels.

    Just my thoughts. I'd ask the vet what he / she expected to learn from it. Possibly if the vet had doubts on a "parent's" testing ability this could be useful, but it is still an average over a week???

    Craig
    Annie was an 18 pound Lhasa Apso that crossed the rainbow bridge on 10-5-17. She was nearly 17 years old and diabetic for 9½ years.

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Fructosamine Testing

      If you do go ahead with the test "for the fun of it", or to keep the vet happy, here is a chart that compares fructosamine and standard glucose readings:

      http://www.healthyinfo.com/clinical/...a1c.test.shtml

      Craig
      Annie was an 18 pound Lhasa Apso that crossed the rainbow bridge on 10-5-17. She was nearly 17 years old and diabetic for 9½ years.

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Fructosamine Testing

        it cant hurt but wont give much info more than what you get from home testing

        now for people that can only test at the vet being so limited it maybe beneficial

        the problem compared to humans dogs blood sugar is a bit unstable so you have some pretty big swings a 100 points or more is quit common and this is where the problem lies . the test only gives you an average so the average may look pretty good balancing the lower and higher levels

        i think understanding a curve is more important . whats problematic within and improve it

        most info is given in home testing if doing consistently
        Jesse-26 lbs - 16.5 years old ,11 years diabetic, one meal a day homemade and a vitabone snack . 3 shots of Novolin( under the Relion name ) a day . Total insulin for a 24 hour period is 6.5 units of NPH insulin .
        Jesse earned her wings on 6/21/2021

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        • #5
          Re: Fructosamine Testing

          I've been thinking about this test recently, and initially thought it was a waste of money. I suppose there are a lot of justifications for the test, but one which makes sense to me is for the dog who has curves done at the vet's office, logs high #'s, ... but exhibits no symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes (excessive thirst / urination, etc.).

          When a dog is removed from familiar, comfortable surroundings and left at the vet's for 8 - 12 hours for testing, kept in a cage and brought out by strangers every couple hours to be stuck, ... it has to be very upsetting for many dogs and likely brings the integrity of the readings into question.

          If someone's pooch is getting high readings from curves done at the vet, and the Fructosamine test comes back much more "normal", one could surmise the curve #'s are very "stress affected" and the "real" b/g #'s are better than the curves are telling you.
          Otis Farrell dx'd 12/10, best friend to his dad, Bill, for over 14 years. Left this world while in his dad’s loving arms 10/04/13. Sonny Farrell dx'd 1/14, adopted 5/15/14. Left this world while in his dad's loving arms 9/06/16. Run pain free, you Pug guys, til we're together again.

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          • #6
            Re: Fructosamine Testing

            Thank you all.

            I didn't actually get to speak to the vet about why he thought this test was needed as the message was given by an assistant. My thought is that they will do every test available if you allow them to.

            Craig - thank you for the link. I will certainly check it.

            farrwf - I've had one curve done at the vets about a month ago then got an AlphaTrak to test at home. I've emailed the results to the vet and he hasn't indicated that he's questioning my testing, however I'm sure any vet will think they can do it better! You mention about seeing high levels but the dog not having symptoms - that is precisely where I've been since starting the insulin. She almost immediately stopped with the excessive drinking/urinating and restlessness at night but the numbers aren't going down to a consistent level so vet keeps increases the dosage.
            What if going into the 300's at various times is normal for my dog? Is that a possibility?

            Another question - does anyone who uses Vetsulin know if the syringes can be prefilled. I am boarding Lacie (hopefully) in a few weeks and it would be helpful to bring prefilled syringes but I've read where it is not recommended with Vetsulin?

            Brenda
            11 yr. old Bichon Frise...Diagnosed April 2015...Novolin 2x/day; snacks- frozen green beans, dehydrated chicken piece and frozen pumpkin pieces.

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: Fructosamine Testing

              Prefilled syringes are not a great idea because the insulin doesn't mix properly as it does in a vial and the concentration may be off. If there is no choice, it is better than nothing but not recommended for vetsulin or NPH. I would make sure they can draw it up correctly or find an alternative - maybe you could hire a vet tech to go by and take care of injections or board at the vet. I have always had house sitters previously - now Maggie is too distraught to be left with anyone but my husband or I. I think it is part of the dementia or just spoiled rotten. So, she goes with us or one of us stays.

              My opinion on the fructosamine test is it is completely unnecessary for someone who is home testing on a daily basis. It gives kind of an average but it won't really tell you anything you don't already know. If a person is not testing, it would be more necessary. My vet has never mentioned it but one day a fill in vet mentioned it and I told him no thanks - not necessary in this case.
              Last edited by amydunn19; 06-03-2015, 06:04 PM.
              Maggie - 15 1/2 y/o JRT diagnosed 9/2007, Angel status on 6/20/16. Her mantra was never give up but her body couldn't keep up with her spirit. Someday, baby.......

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              • #8
                Re: Fructosamine Testing

                I was told that it's ok to prefill syringes for a few hours, but definitely not for several weeks.
                Sparky Love, diagnosed March 5, 2014. Enrolled in Kinostat study to prevent cataract formation. Pancreatitis June 16, 2014 - hospitalized for 6 days in the ICU. Went to the Rainbow Bridge June 23, 2014. I love you very much, baby.

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                • #9
                  Re: Fructosamine Testing

                  I have no idea about pre-filling syringes, but here are two worries I might have:

                  What if the plunger gets accidentally pushed in storage?

                  Would the insulin leak just sitting there?

                  Does the insulin oxidize since it's sort of exposed to air through the needle?

                  OK, that's three questions.

                  Craig
                  Annie was an 18 pound Lhasa Apso that crossed the rainbow bridge on 10-5-17. She was nearly 17 years old and diabetic for 9½ years.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: Fructosamine Testing

                    We are home testing failures, yes it happens. Charlie stresses out big time at the vet and I didn't feel that the 'test exactly 6 hours after injecting ' option was necessarily accurate, especially after finding this forum.

                    During the early stressful what the heck dose should this dog be on months we had the tests done monthly. He was so high I wasn't worried that he was dropping too low.

                    We were also very lucky that neither of our vets charged an arm and leg when we had the test done, and never charged for an office visit too.

                    I'm knocking wood typing this but we only bring him in every 3 months now (about the time he needs a pedicure), and he's been in the 300-320 (excellent control) range on his fructosamine test for 9 months now.

                    Do I wish we could test, yes, but I had to pick my battles with this nipping old man and his need for eye drops and ointment won.

                    Laura
                    Laura & Charlie 29 lb male lhasapoo diagnosed October 2013. 16ish units of Novolin N. 1 & 1/3 cup of Natural Balance Fat Dog twice a day. An egg with breakfast and chicken with dinner. Shares string cheese with us late afternoon. Cyclosporine ointment for KCS. Blind from cataracts January 2014. Crossed the rainbow bridge 2/1/2016 at 14.5 years

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                    • #11
                      Re: Fructosamine Testing

                      Thanks for your replies. I felt it best to call Merck, the Vetsulin manufacturer and they also said not to pre fill syringes so that idea is out.

                      About the fructosamine testing, it's funny that when I talked to the vet tonight he wants another curve done but he didn't mention that test. Told him I will do curve at home.

                      Brenda
                      11 yr. old Bichon Frise...Diagnosed April 2015...Novolin 2x/day; snacks- frozen green beans, dehydrated chicken piece and frozen pumpkin pieces.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: Fructosamine Testing

                        Apparently Vetsulin has recently been released as a pen (VetPen). That might be what you could use? Probably more expensive than the vial.

                        http://www.vetsulin.com/vet/AboutVetPen_HowToUse.aspx

                        Craig
                        Annie was an 18 pound Lhasa Apso that crossed the rainbow bridge on 10-5-17. She was nearly 17 years old and diabetic for 9½ years.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Re: Fructosamine Testing

                          Craig, thanks. I did see that on their website. May be something I'll consider in the future.
                          11 yr. old Bichon Frise...Diagnosed April 2015...Novolin 2x/day; snacks- frozen green beans, dehydrated chicken piece and frozen pumpkin pieces.

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