Changes in Insulin Requirements in Diabetic Dogs

It is not unusual for insulin requirements to change suddenly even after a long period of stability.

Dose adjustment

Dose adjustment should be based on the clinical response and the results of serial blood glucose samples. Ideally a blood glucose curve should be plotted before the insulin dose is changed.

Urine glucose and ketone monitoring can be used to check whether a blood glucose curve should be plotted; it should not be used alone as a basis for dose adjustment.

Dose adjustment should be made in steps of 10%, rounded down to the nearest whole unit. Changes in dose should be made after allowing a period of adjustment to a particular dose or regime, i.e. at least 3-4 days.