Human glucometers are not always accurate when measuring glucose levels in animals. This is because red blood cell size and the distribution of glucose within the blood differs from species to species. A proportion of glucose is contained within the red blood cells and the remainder in the surrounding plasma. Humans have a higher haematocrit compared to cats, dogs and horses, as well as larger red blood cells. Therefore, the distribution of glucose within plasma is proportionally much lower in humans compared to these animals, as a larger portion of glucose is contained within the red blood cells. Subsequently, these differences in glucose distribution have a bearing on the glucose result when testing animals with a meter designed for human use, as false decreases are reported in some instances.
The g-Pet veterinary glucose monitor is calibrated specifically for use in cats, dogs and horses. Each g-Pet meter and each pack of g-Pet strips are supplied with three species chips (cat, dog and horse) which are individually inserted into the g-Pet meter prior to testing. The chips contain all relevant calibration information to ensure an accurate result is reported for each species. Vets no longer need to persist with inaccurate human meters as there is now a low cost, veterinary specific alternative.