I already posted this to rec.pets.cats.health+behav, and to a couple of
the diabetic groups, but a few people recognized me from here, and they
thought I should post it here as well.

My 12-year-old cat was just diagnosed as diabetic.  He was admitted Monday
morning for stabilization, and determining his insulin dosage and whatnot.

I've been reading up on a number of sites about feline diabetes, but
none of them seems to list suggestions about shopping for supplies.
I haven't yet had a chance to speak with the vet about it, just
updates on his condition phoned to me by the assistants.

Apparently I will need a meter that uses a small volume of blood, and
"sipping" or "sucking" type strips, becuase it's taken from the ear.
I've read that often there are offers of a free meter when you buy
strips, and the price of replacement strips is the major consideration,
along with ease of use.

A lot of people on pet diabetes sites recommended the Glucometer/Ascendia
Elite or the One Touch Ultra, and one site suggested that the inexpensive
WalMart Relion might be suitable.  It looks like the strips are much
cheaper, but I haven't seen any messages from people using the Relion,
and I think it requires more blood.

So I'm looking for recommendations for types of test strips, lancets,
syringes, and where to buy supplies least expensively, either online or
at local major pharmacy chains such as Walgreens or WalMart.  Several of
the online diabetic supply houses I looked at don't list prices, and
seem to cater only to people covered by insurance.