If your wife is hesitant to check blood glucoses at home, the vet tech will
do it. But if she is willing to check at home, see if you can find a free
glucometer. Normally, they cost in the neighborhood of $100,

Nowaways, meters can be gotten for a song. Do a search on eBay for
OneTouch Ultra Mini (this is the meter my friend recommends to her
clients). You can get them for about $10 (including shipping), and
they even come in colors. Also, you can get test strips for about half
price on eBay. Just watch the expiration dates of the strips and make
sure the sellers have good feedback.