# Blood Glucose Curves for Diabetic Pets: In-Clinic vs At-Home Monitoring ## Key Takeaways - In-clinic blood glucose curves can be skewed by stress hyperglycaemia, particularly in cats, potentially leading to dangerous insulin overdosing when the pet returns home. - At-home blood glucose monitoring (HBGM) provides a more representative picture of daily glycaemic control by measuring glucose in the pet's familiar environment, thereby minimizing stress-induced fluctuations. - HBGM requires owner training and compliance but has demonstrated high owner acceptance rates (74% in one study) and does not negatively impact pet or owner quality of life, potentially even improving glycaemic control. - The Somogyi effect, a rebound hyperglycaemia following insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, can only be accurately identified through serial glucose monitoring via a blood glucose curve, preventing misinterpretation and inappropriate insulin dose increases. - While in-clinic curves are essential for initial stabilisation and when home monitoring is not feasible, HBGM is ideal for long-term management, enabling more frequent monitoring and rapid detection of potentially life-threatening hypoglycaemia. --- Managing diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats requires careful balance. Insulin doses must match the pet's daily glucose fluctuations, and the most reliable way to assess that match is a blood glucose curve. A blood glucose curve is a series of glucose measurements taken over a 12 to 24 hour period, typically around the time of insulin administration. These curves reveal the lowest glucose level (nadir), the highest level (peak), and the duration of insulin effect. Without this information, adjusting insulin is guesswork. The decision to perform these curves in the veterinary clinic or in the pet's home has significant clinical and welfare implications. In-clinic curves are the traditional standard, but they have a major flaw: stress. Hospitalised pets, especially cats, often exhibit stress hyperglycaemia, which can falsely elevate glucose readings and lead to dangerous insulin overdosing. At-home monitoring, where the owner measures glucose using a portable meter, offers a more representative picture of daily life. However, it requires owner training, compliance, and a cooperative pet. This article compares in-clinic and at-home blood glucose monitoring for diabetic pets, with a focus on the evidence base, practical considerations, and how each method impacts glycaemic control and quality of life (QoL). We will also address regional differences in veterinary practice across North America, Europe, and Australia, and provide clear guidance for pet owners navigating this decision. ## At a Glance: In-Clinic vs At-Home Blood Glucose Curves The table below summarises the key differences between the two approaches. This is a clinical decision aid, not a substitute for veterinary advice. | Feature | In-Clinic Blood Glucose Curve | At-Home Blood Glucose Curve | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Location** | Veterinary hospital or clinic | Pet's home environment | | **Stress Impact** | High, especially in cats; can cause stress hyperglycaemia and falsely high readings | Low; pet is in familiar surroundings | | **Data Accuracy** | Potentially skewed by stress; may not reflect true daily glucose profile | More representative of daily glycaemic control | | **Owner Involvement** | Minimal; veterinary staff perform all measurements | High; owner must be trained to handle the pet and use the meter | | **Owner Acceptance** | Generally accepted, but requires travel and time away from the pet | High acceptance among owners who are willing to learn; some owners decline due to fear of needles or pet handling | | **Cost** | May include hospitalisation fees and multiple in-clinic visits | Requires purchase or rental of a glucometer and test strips; long-term cost can be lower | | **Feasibility** | Suitable for all pets, but may require sedation in fractious animals (which affects results) | Not suitable for all pets; requires a cooperative pet and a committed owner | | **Clinical Utility** | Useful for initial stabilisation and when home monitoring is not possible | Ideal for long-term management, insulin dose adjustments, and detecting hypoglycaemia | | **Quality of Life Impact** | May decrease QoL due to stress of hospitalisation | May improve QoL for both pet and owner when accepted | ## Understanding the Physiology of Glucose Regulation in Diabetic Pets To understand why blood glucose curves are necessary, one must first understand the underlying pathophysiology. Diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats results from a deficiency in insulin secretion (Type 1, common in dogs) or insulin resistance with relative insulin deficiency (Type 2, common in cats). Insulin is the key that unlocks cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream. Without adequate insulin action, glucose accumulates in the blood, leading to hyperglycaemia and glucosuria. Exogenous insulin therapy aims to replace this missing hormone. However, each insulin formulation has a specific onset, peak, and duration of action. The goal of therapy is to match the insulin's peak effect with the post-prandial glucose rise, while avoiding dangerous hypoglycaemia. A blood glucose curve provides the data needed to see if this match is occurring. It answers critical questions: Is the insulin dose too low (persistent hyperglycaemia)? Is it too high (nadir below the target range)? Is the duration of action too short (glucose rises before the next dose)? Is it too long (risk of overlapping effects and hypoglycaemia)? The Somogyi effect, or rebound hyperglycaemia, is a phenomenon where an overdose of insulin causes hypoglycaemia, which triggers a counter-regulatory hormone release (glucagon, epinephrine, cortisol) that causes a rebound hyperglycaemia. This can be misinterpreted as an insufficient insulin dose. A blood glucose curve is the only way to identify this dangerous pattern. Without a curve, a veterinarian might increase the insulin dose, worsening the problem. ## The In-Clinic Blood Glucose Curve: The Traditional Approach The in-clinic blood glucose curve is performed with the pet hospitalised for a full day. The pet is typically admitted in the morning, and blood samples are taken every 2 to 4 hours, starting just before the morning insulin injection and continuing for 12 to 24 hours. The veterinarian or veterinary technician administers the insulin, feeds the pet according to the home schedule, and records the glucose readings. ### Advantages of In-Clinic Curves The primary advantage of the in-clinic curve is control. Veterinary professionals ensure that the insulin is stored, handled, and administered correctly. They can observe the pet's appetite and demeanour. They can also intervene immediately if the glucose drops to dangerously low levels. This is particularly important for initial stabilisation, when the correct insulin dose is unknown and the risk of hypoglycaemia is highest. In-clinic curves are also the only option for owners who are unable or unwilling to perform home monitoring. Some pets are too fractious for owners to handle safely. Some owners have needle phobias or lack the manual dexterity to obtain a blood sample. In these cases, the veterinary team must take responsibility for the curve. ### The Problem of Stress Hyperglycaemia The major disadvantage of the in-clinic curve is stress hyperglycaemia. Hospitalisation is stressful for most pets, and cats in particular are prone to this phenomenon. When a [cat](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/cat) is stressed, its body releases catecholamines and cortisol, which stimulate glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, raising blood glucose levels. This can result in a curve that does not reflect the pet's true glucose profile at home. A falsely elevated in-clinic curve can lead to a dangerous clinical decision. If the veterinarian sees persistently high glucose readings, they may increase the insulin dose. When the pet goes home, where stress is lower, that higher dose may cause severe hypoglycaemia. This is a life-threatening scenario. The stress of hospitalisation can also suppress appetite, meaning the pet may not eat normally, further skewing the results. ### Practical Challenges of Hospitalisation Hospitalisation itself carries risks. The pet is exposed to infectious diseases, though good hygiene mitigates this. The pet's routine is disrupted, which can affect glucose metabolism. A pet that is normally active at home may be inactive in a cage, altering glucose utilisation. Conversely, a nervous pet may pace and burn more energy. These factors all contribute to a curve that may not be representative of the home environment. Furthermore, in-clinic curves are resource-intensive. They require a hospitalisation cage, staff time for repeated sampling, and the owner's time for drop-off and pick-up. This translates into cost for the owner. For working owners, the logistics of admitting a pet for a full day can be challenging. ## At-Home Blood Glucose Monitoring (HBGM): A Paradigm Shift At-home blood glucose monitoring (HBGM) involves the owner measuring the pet's blood glucose at home using a portable glucometer designed for veterinary use or a human glucometer that has been validated for pets. The owner is trained by the veterinary team to obtain a small blood sample, typically from the ear margin (in cats) or the lip or callus (in dogs), and to use the meter. The concept is not new, but it has gained significant traction as evidence supports its benefits. A pivotal study by Hazuchova et al. (2018) investigated the acceptance of HBGM by owners of recently diagnosed diabetic cats and its impact on QoL. The study divided owners into an HBGM group and a non-HBGM group based on their ability and willingness to perform HBGM after a standardised instruction session. The results showed that 74% of owners (28 out of 38) successfully entered the HBGM group. This high acceptance rate suggests that with proper training, most owners can master this skill. ### The Evidence for At-Home Monitoring The Hazuchova study is crucial because it addresses the two main concerns veterinarians have about HBGM: owner acceptance and clinical efficacy. The study found no significant difference between the HBGM and non-HBGM groups in overall QoL scores (measured using the validated DIAQoL-pet tool) at any time point. This is reassuring; it suggests that performing HBGM does not negatively impact the owner's or the cat's quality of life. In fact, the study noted that the maximal blood glucose at month 6 was lower in the HBGM group, suggesting a potential improvement in glycaemic control. The study also examined the reasons for acceptance failure. While the specific reasons are not detailed in the abstract, the fact that 26% of owners did not enter the HBGM group highlights that it is not for everyone. This is an important clinical point. Veterinarians must assess each owner's capability and willingness individually. Forcing HBGM on an unwilling owner could lead to poor compliance, inaccurate readings, and a damaged human-animal bond. ### Advantages of At-Home Monitoring The primary advantage of HBGM is the elimination of stress hyperglycaemia. The pet is in its own environment, following its normal routine. The glucose readings are therefore more likely to reflect the true daily profile. This allows for more accurate insulin dose adjustments, reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia from over-dosing and the risk of persistent hyperglycaemia from under-dosing. HBGM also allows for more frequent monitoring. Instead of a single 12-hour curve every few weeks, owners can perform spot checks or mini-curves (e.g., measuring glucose before and after insulin administration) as needed. This is particularly useful for detecting hypoglycaemia, which can occur at any time. Owners can also monitor the pet's response to changes in diet or exercise. For the pet, HBGM avoids the stress of hospitalisation. For the owner, it avoids the logistics and cost of repeated hospital visits. The Hazuchova study suggests that owner acceptance is high, which implies that owners find the process manageable and perhaps even empowering. Being actively involved in their pet's care can give owners a sense of control over a chronic disease. ### Challenges and Limitations of At-Home Monitoring HBGM is not without its challenges. The most significant is the need for owner training. The veterinary team must invest time in teaching the owner how to handle the pet, obtain a blood sample, use the meter, and record the results. This training must be standardised and reinforced. The Hazuchova study used a standardised instruction session, which likely contributed to the high acceptance rate. The pet must be cooperative. Some pets will not tolerate ear pricks or lip pricks. Owners may need to try different sites or use distraction techniques. In some cases, despite best efforts, HBGM is not feasible. The accuracy of the glucometer is another consideration. Not all human glucometers are accurate for veterinary use. Veterinarians should recommend meters that have been validated for dogs or cats. Owners must also be trained to use the meter correctly, as user error is a common cause of inaccurate readings. The quality of the test strips and their storage also affects accuracy. Finally, there is the risk of owner misinterpretation. An owner might see a single high reading and panic, or a single low reading and skip a dose. Owners must be taught that a single reading is not a diagnosis. They must be instructed to contact their veterinarian for dose adjustments, not to make changes on their own. ## In-Clinic vs At-Home: A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Outcomes The decision between in-clinic and at-home monitoring is not merely a matter of convenience. It has direct implications for clinical outcomes. The Hazuchova study provides the most direct evidence, showing that HBGM can achieve comparable glycaemic control to in-clinic monitoring, with the added benefit of a lower maximal blood glucose at 6 months. ### Glycaemic Control The goal of insulin therapy is to maintain glucose levels within an acceptable range, typically 100-250 mg/dL (5.6-13.9 mmol/L) for dogs and cats, though targets vary by individual. A curve that shows a nadir in this range and a duration of insulin effect that covers the inter-dosing interval is considered ideal. In-clinic curves can be misleading due to stress. A cat that is normoglycaemic at home might show a curve with a nadir of 200 mg/dL in the clinic, simply due to stress. The veterinarian might then increase the insulin dose, leading to hypoglycaemia at home. At-home curves avoid this pitfall, providing data that is more likely to be accurate. The Hazuchova study found no significant difference in average, minimal, or pre-insulin blood glucose between the HBGM and non-HBGM groups at any time point. This suggests that HBGM is not inferior to traditional monitoring for achieving overall glycaemic control. The finding of a lower maximal glucose in the HBGM group at month 6 is intriguing. It could indicate that the ability to do more frequent monitoring allowed for finer adjustments, or it could be a chance finding. Either way, it supports the idea that HBGM is a valid clinical tool. ### Hypoglycaemia Detection Hypoglycaemia is the most feared complication of insulin therapy. It can cause weakness, seizures, coma, and death. In-clinic monitoring can detect hypoglycaemia during the curve, but it is a snapshot. Hypoglycaemia can occur at any time, especially if the pet's activity level or food intake changes. HBGM empowers owners to check glucose whenever they are concerned. If a pet is acting lethargic or shaky, the owner can immediately measure glucose. If it is low, they can administer honey or syrup and contact their veterinarian. This rapid response capability can be life-saving. The Hazuchova study did not specifically report on hypoglycaemia rates, but the ability to detect it is an inherent advantage of HBGM. ### Quality of Life (QoL) The impact of diabetes management on QoL is a critical consideration. The DIAQoL-pet tool used in the Hazuchova study is a validated instrument that measures the owner's perception of their pet's QoL and the impact of the disease on the owner. The study found no significant difference in overall QoL between the HBGM and non-HBGM groups. This is important because it refutes the notion that HBGM is a burden that reduces QoL. However, the study did look at specific indicators. The abstract mentions "indicators of own..." which is cut off, but it suggests that the study examined the owner's own QoL, not just the pet's. This is a holistic approach. Managing a diabetic pet is demanding. It requires strict scheduling, careful feeding, and constant vigilance. The study's finding that HBGM does not worsen QoL is a strong argument for offering it to owners. ### Owner Acceptance and Compliance The 74% acceptance rate in the Hazuchova study is a key finding. It demonstrates that with proper training, most owners are willing and able to perform HBGM. This is not a niche skill reserved for a few dedicated owners. It is a mainstream option that should be discussed with all owners of diabetic pets. The study also highlights the importance of the training session. The owners were given a standardised instruction session, which likely included hands-on practice with the glucometer and guidance on handling the cat. This structured approach is essential for success. Veterinarians should not assume that an owner can figure it out on their own. ## Regional Considerations in Diabetes Monitoring Veterinary practice varies across regions, and this affects how blood glucose monitoring is approached. ### North America (US and Canada) In North America, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) provide guidelines for managing chronic diseases. While these organisations do not have a specific guideline for HBGM, their general principles of client communication and chronic disease management apply. The AAHA guidelines emphasise the importance of a team approach, where the owner is an active participant in their pet's care. HBGM fits this model perfectly. In Canada, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) similarly promotes high standards of care. The availability of veterinary-specific glucometers (e.g., AlphaTrak) is widespread in both countries, making HBGM technically feasible. The cost of these meters and strips is a consideration, but many owners find it comparable to the cost of repeated in-clinic curves. ### Europe In Europe, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) sets professional standards. The approach to diabetes management is generally similar to North America. However, there can be regional differences in the availability of certain insulin formulations and the cost of veterinary care. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) regulates veterinary medicines, and the availability of veterinary-specific glucose meters may vary by country. The concept of "veterinary surgeon" is common in the UK and parts of Europe, and the approach to client education may be slightly more formalised. The evidence from the Hazuchova study, which was conducted in the UK, is directly relevant to European practice. The study's findings on owner acceptance and QoL are likely generalisable to other European countries with similar pet ownership patterns. ### Australia The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) regulate veterinary practice. Australia has a high rate of pet ownership, and veterinary care is advanced. The approach to diabetes management is similar to North America and Europe. The main regional difference is the climate, which can affect insulin storage (insulin should not be frozen or exposed to high heat). Owners in Australia's warmer regions may need to be extra cautious about insulin storage, but this is not directly related to the monitoring method. The AVA promotes preventive health care and client education. HBGM is likely to be well-received in Australia, where there is a strong culture of pet owners being actively involved in their pet's health. ## The Veterinary Examination and Diagnostic Workup Before a blood glucose curve is performed, the veterinarian must confirm the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and rule out other causes of hyperglycaemia. The diagnostic workup typically includes: - **History and Physical Examination:** The veterinarian will ask about clinical signs such as polyuria (increased urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased appetite), and weight loss. The physical exam may reveal a poor hair coat, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), or cataracts (in dogs). - **Blood Tests:** A complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry panel are essential. Key findings include hyperglycaemia (glucose > 200 mg/dL or 11 mmol/L), elevated liver enzymes, and possibly elevated cholesterol. Serum fructosamine is a valuable test that reflects the average blood glucose over the past 1-2 weeks. It is used to confirm the diagnosis and to monitor long-term control, but it cannot replace a curve for dose adjustments. - **Urinalysis:** The presence of glucose and ketones in the urine supports the diagnosis. Ketonuria is an emergency that requires immediate treatment. - **Other Tests:** Depending on the pet's age and condition, the veterinarian may recommend tests for concurrent diseases such as pancreatitis, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), or urinary tract infections. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the decision about monitoring is made. The veterinarian will discuss the pros and cons of in-clinic vs at-home monitoring with the owner, considering the pet's temperament, the owner's capabilities, and the clinic's resources. ## Evidence-Based Management: How to Perform a Blood Glucose Curve Whether performed in-clinic or at-home, the principles of a blood glucose curve are the same. ### The Protocol 1. **Timing:** The curve should start just before the morning insulin injection. The pet is fed, and the insulin is given. The first glucose reading is taken at this time (time 0). 2. **Frequency:** Readings are typically taken every 2 hours for the next 12 to 24 hours. For a 12-hour insulin regimen, a 12-hour curve is usually sufficient. For a 24-hour insulin (e.g., glargine in cats), a 24-hour curve may be needed. 3. **Recording:** All readings are recorded on a chart, along with the time, the amount of food eaten, and any notes about the pet's activity or demeanour. 4. **Interpretation:** The veterinarian interprets the curve to determine the nadir (lowest point), the peak (highest point), and the duration of insulin effect. The goal is to have the nadir in the target range (e.g., 100-200 mg/dL or 5.6-11.1 mmol/L) and to have the glucose remain below 250-300 mg/dL (13.9-16.7 mmol/L) for most of the day. ### In-Clinic Protocol In the clinic, the pet is hospitalised. The veterinary team performs the curve. The pet's normal feeding and exercise routine should be mimicked as closely as possible. The owner should provide the pet's usual food and be asked about the pet's typical activity level. ### At-Home Protocol For HBGM, the owner performs the curve. The veterinary team provides a detailed protocol, including a chart for recording results. The owner should be instructed to: - Use the same glucometer each time. - Calibrate the meter as per the manufacturer's instructions. - Obtain a clean, free-flowing drop of blood. - Record the results immediately. - Contact the veterinarian with the results for interpretation, not to adjust the insulin independently. ## Unsafe Home Remedies and Owner Errors There are several dangerous misconceptions about diabetes management that owners may encounter. It is critical to address these directly. - **"If a little is good, more is better" (Insulin Overdose):** Never increase the insulin dose without veterinary guidance. An overdose can cause severe, life-threatening hypoglycaemia. The Somogyi effect can also occur, where an overdose leads to rebound hyperglycaemia, making the problem worse. - **"I can skip a dose if the pet doesn't eat":** This is a common question. If a pet is not eating, the insulin dose may need to be reduced or skipped, but this must be discussed with the veterinarian. Skipping a dose can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a medical emergency. The veterinarian should provide clear instructions for managing sick days. - **"I can use my own glucometer for my pet":** While some human glucometers are accurate for pets, many are not. The hematocrit of dogs and cats differs from humans, which can affect the accuracy of the meter. It is best to use a meter that has been validated for veterinary use. - **"I can adjust the dose based on a single reading":** A single high or low reading is not enough to make a dose adjustment. A curve is needed to see the overall pattern. Making changes based on a single reading can lead to erratic glycaemic control. - **"I can give human insulin to my pet":** The type of insulin (e.g., NPH, glargine, detemir, porcine lente) is chosen by the veterinarian based on the pet's needs. Human insulin is not always appropriate for pets. Never switch insulin types without veterinary approval. ## Prevention and Long-Term Prognosis Diabetes mellitus is not preventable in most cases, especially in dogs where it is often immune-mediated. In cats, maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. However, once diabetes is diagnosed, the focus is on management, not prevention. The long-term prognosis for diabetic pets is good with proper management. Many diabetic dogs live for years after diagnosis. Diabetic cats can even achieve diabetic remission, where they no longer require insulin, especially if they are started on a low-carbohydrate diet and achieve good glycaemic control early in the disease. Regular monitoring is the key to a good prognosis. The Hazuchova study followed cats for 6 months and found that glycaemic control was maintained in the HBGM group. This suggests that HBGM can support long-term management. The study's finding of a lower maximal glucose in the HBGM group at 6 months may indicate better long-term control. ## Emergency Red Flags Owners of diabetic pets must know when to seek immediate veterinary care. The following are emergency red flags: - **Hypoglycaemia:** Weakness, lethargy, tremors, ataxia (wobbliness), seizures, or collapse. If the pet is conscious, rub honey or syrup on the gums and contact the veterinarian immediately. - **Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA):** Vomiting, lethargy, anorexia (not eating), rapid breathing, and a fruity odour to the breath. This is a life-threatening emergency. - **Inability to urinate:** This could indicate a urinary tract obstruction, which is an emergency. - **Any sudden change in behaviour or appetite.** ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article provides general information about blood glucose monitoring. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. The information presented here cannot predict how an individual pet will respond to a specific monitoring method or insulin protocol. Breed-level information, in particular, cannot predict individual outcomes. Each pet is unique, and their management plan must be tailored to their specific needs. You should always contact your veterinarian if: - You are unsure how to perform a blood glucose curve. - You are concerned about any glucose reading. - Your pet is showing any signs of illness. - You are considering any change to your pet's insulin dose or diet. Never make changes to your pet's insulin dose without explicit instructions from your veterinarian. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### 1. What exactly is a blood glucose curve for a diabetic pet? A blood glucose curve is a series of blood glucose measurements taken over a 12 to 24 hour period, usually starting just before an insulin injection. It shows the peak, nadir (lowest point), and duration of insulin effect, allowing the veterinarian to assess if the insulin dose and timing are appropriate. ### 2. Is at-home blood glucose monitoring as accurate as in-clinic monitoring? At-home monitoring can be more accurate than in-clinic monitoring because it avoids stress hyperglycaemia, which is common in hospitalised pets, especially cats. The readings taken at home are more likely to reflect the pet's true daily glucose profile. ### 3. How do I get my cat or dog to sit still for a blood glucose test at home? Training is key. Your veterinary team will show you how to restrain your pet safely. For cats, wrapping them in a towel (a "purrito") often helps. For dogs, having a second person to distract with treats can be useful. Practice in short sessions and always reward your pet for calm behaviour. ### 4. What is the Somogyi effect and why is it dangerous? The Somogyi effect is when an insulin overdose causes hypoglycaemia, which triggers a rebound release of counter-regulatory hormones that cause hyperglycaemia. This can make it look like the pet needs more insulin when in fact it needs less. A blood glucose curve is the only way to identify this pattern. ### 5. Can I use a human glucometer for my diabetic pet? Some human glucometers are accurate for pets, but many are not, due to differences in hematocrit and other factors. It is safest to use a meter that has been specifically validated for veterinary use. Your veterinarian can recommend a reliable brand. ### 6. How often should I perform a blood glucose curve at home? The frequency depends on the pet's stability. During initial stabilisation, curves may be needed every 1 to 2 weeks. Once the pet is stable, curves may only be needed every 3 to 6 months, or when there is a change in clinical signs. Your veterinarian will provide a schedule. ### 7. What should I do if my pet's blood glucose reading is very low during an at-home curve? If the reading is low (e.g., below 70 mg/dL or 3.9 mmol/L) and your pet is showing signs of hypoglycaemia (weakness, shaking, seizures), rub honey or syrup on their gums immediately and contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic right away. Do not give the insulin dose. ### 8. Will performing at-home glucose curves negatively affect my pet's quality of life? Evidence suggests that it does not. A study on diabetic cats found no significant difference in quality of life scores between owners who performed home monitoring and those who did not. With proper training, most owners and pets adapt well to the routine. ## Sources 1. [Acceptance of home blood glucose monitoring by owners of recently diagnosed diabetic cats and impact on quality of life changes in cat and owner.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28911254/) ## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides * [Thyroid Testing in Cats: Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism and T4 Fluctuations](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/at-home-diagnostics/thyroid-testing-in-cats-diagnosing-hyperthyroidism-and-t4-fluctuations) * [Joint Fluid Analysis in Dogs: Diagnosing Septic Arthritis vs Immune-Mediated](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/at-home-diagnostics/joint-fluid-analysis-in-dogs-diagnosing-septic-arthritis-vs-immune-mediated) * [Culture and Sensitivity Testing: Managing Multi-Drug Resistant Pet Infections](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/at-home-diagnostics/culture-and-sensitivity-testing-managing-multi-drug-resistant-pet-infections)