Starting Treatment of Diabetic Cats

On the first day of treatment, many veterinary surgeons hospitalise diabetic cats. The cat can then be closely observed for possible hypoglycaemia following insulin treatment. The cat can then be sent home with treatment for at least one week before further re-evaluation.

At home:

• The owner should monitor and record daily water and food consumption and other signs of diabetes.
• Urine can be tested daily for glucose and ketones.
• The starting dose and frequency of administration should be maintained for the whole week.

After one week: In-clinic re-evaluation:

• Evaluate owner's monitoring of clinical signs, glucosuria and ketonuria.
• Weigh the cat.
• Evaluate glycaemia. See Monitoring.
• Increase the insulin dose if necessary, according to the clinical signs and blood glucose. Read more in dose adjustment

The above should be repeated at regular intervals until stabilisation (reversed clinical signs) is achieved.