What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes happens when your pet’s body can’t properly regulate blood sugar (glucose). This happens because the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin, or the body doesn’t use insulin correctly.
Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream — causing excessive thirst, urination, weight loss, and fatigue.
Diabetes is manageable, but it requires consistent daily care and regular monitoring to keep your pet healthy and stable.
Common Signs of Diabetes
- Drinking and urinating more than usual
- Weight loss despite eating normally or more
- Increased appetite
- Cloudy eyes (dogs)
- Dull coat or weak back legs (cats)
Treatment
Most pets require insulin injections twice daily after meals. Your veterinarian will prescribe the right insulin type and dosage.
- Give insulin at the same times every day.
- Feed consistent meals — no skipping or switching foods.
- Monitor for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) such as weakness, wobbling, or collapse — this is an emergency.
Monitoring Diabetes
Keeping your pet’s blood sugar balanced takes ongoing monitoring. We have several ways to do this — each serves a different purpose.
1. Fructosamine Test
- Measures the average blood sugar over the past 2–3 weeks.
- Gives a long-term overview of control — not affected by stress.
- Used for routine monitoring or adjusting insulin over time.
Think of it like an A1C test in people.
2. Glucose Curve
- Measures blood sugar levels every 1–2 hours throughout the day after insulin and feeding.
- Shows how blood sugar rises and falls during a typical day.
- Used to fine-tune insulin dosing or check for over- or under-control.
- We can do this in-clinic or at home (if you’re comfortable and trained).
3. Freestyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitor
We offer the Freestyle Libre system for pets!
- It’s a small sensor that attaches to your pet’s skin and measures blood sugar continuously for up to 14 days.
- You can scan it anytime with a phone or reader to get instant results.
- Provides a full picture of blood sugar patterns without repeated needle sticks.
- Great for both newly diagnosed and hard-to-regulate pets.
4. Blood Glucose Spot Checks
- Quick, individual readings done at home or in clinic.
- Helpful for checking how your pet responds to insulin, or if you suspect low blood sugar.
- Should be used as a supplement — not the only monitoring method.
5. Ketone Testing
- Detects ketones, a sign that diabetes is out of control and your pet isn’t getting enough insulin.
- Can be done at home using urine test strips.
- Positive ketones = emergency — call us immediately.
Follow-Up Schedule
- Recheck in 7–14 days after starting insulin.
- Once regulated, check-ups every 3–6 months (or sooner if symptoms change).
- Regular bloodwork ensures both blood sugar and overall organ health stay on track.
Long-Term Outlook
With consistent insulin, proper diet, and monitoring, most diabetic dogs and cats live happy, active lives for many years.
Stability takes time — be patient, keep records, and stay in communication with your veterinary team.
Quick Summary
- Diabetes = body not using insulin correctly.
- Insulin injections + consistent meals = key to control.
- Monitoring options:
- Fructosamine: 2–3 week average
- Glucose curve: full-day tracking
- Freestyle Libre: continuous, painless monitoring
- Spot checks: occasional blood glucose checks
- Ketones: emergency warning sign
- Regular follow-ups and consistency = success.
If you have any additional questions, please call us at 319-277-7675 or email us at [email protected]. We would be happy to assist you.