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MANAGING DIABETES
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Managing Diabetes
A Client Education Plan
Marlene Purden
Tarleton State University
Advanced Veterinary Medical Terminology!

MANAGING DIABETES
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Abstract
In order to provide a client with important education for diabetes mellitus, I have
placed multiple education handouts that explain multiple aspects of caring for a diabetic

pet. My goal of this educational tool was to create a client folder to be given to the client
upon diagnosis of diabetes mellitus or at a veterinary technician appointment that will
demonstrate insulin injections. My goal for this educational folder is to provide
information that is pertinent in achieving the therapeutic goals for a diabetic pet. I also
want to encourage the client to ask questions and develop on understanding about what it
takes to care for a diabetic pet. The handouts cover what diabetes mellitus is, nutritional
needs, at-home monitoring and glucose checks. These handouts along with a diabetic
treatment plan sheet provided should provide enough information to fully understand
how to handle a pet with diabetes mellitus.
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Diabetic Treatment Plan

Pet/Owner: ____________________________________

Date:______________

Your pet has recently been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Our staff at Kruger Animal
Hospital understands how difficult this time is for you and your pet and is determined to
provide you with the skills and education to effectively manage your pets condition. We
are providing you with a folder of educational handouts on diabetes mellitus. We are
committed to helping you care for your pet. Below is a treatment plan that has been
tailored for your pets needs.
Insulin needed
Insulin prescribed: _________________ Beginning dose:__________________
Insulin is needed in order to regulate blood glucose. It is administered by
injection subcutaneously meaning underneath the skin. It is important to handle
insulin with care and to gently roll the vial between your hands before each use.
NEVER shake the vial. Insulin is stored in the refrigerator. Also ensure your pet
is provided and eats a meal prior to insulin administration.
Prescribed diet: ______________________________
Diet plays a vital role in your pets condition. Please see the Nutrition needs
handout in the folder for more information.
Weight loss
Overweight pets are at an increase risk of developing and having complications
with managing diabetes. By restricting diet and increasing exercise, we can
decrease complications. In FELINES, weight loss can lead to transient
diabetes. This may mean that your cat may no longer need insulin to manage
their condition and are at an increase risk for hypoglycemia. Please see the
handout Monitoring your Diabetic Pet for more information on hypoglycemia.
Blood Glucose Curve: ______________________________
A blood glucose curve helps to determine how well the insulin administration is
managing your pets condition. Your pet will be stay at the hospital for the
duration of a day with their blood glucose being check with a glucometer ever 2-4
hours. It is important that your pet eats a meal and has been dosed with insulin
prior to hospital stay. Once your pets condition is managed with the correct
insulin dose, it is possible for you to check blood glucose. Please see handout
At-home Blood Glucose for more information.
Fructosamine testing: ____________________________
This test provides an average of blood glucose levels over a period of time. It
may be recommended to use this test if the blood glucose curve does not provide
an accurate picture of diabetic management.

What is Diabetes
mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is an
endocrine disorder that affects blood
sugar levels. Glucose, which is a type
of sugar, is commonly used as a
source of energy for the bodys cells.
Insulin, however, is a hormone
produced by the pancreas that helps
transport and transforms glucose to
cells for energy. With this disorder,
the pancreas is unable to produce
adequate insulin in order to maintain
blood glucose at a normal level
(euglycemia). Marked elevations in
blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is a
common condition for diabetic
patients because of this lack of insulin
production. Consistent hyperglycemia
places a strain on your pets overall
health and can lead to many
complications.

For More
Information please
contact our office to
speak with a
veterinary
technician or
veterinarian today!

Kruger Animal Hospital

1824 W. Hovey Ave
Normal, IL 61761
www.krugeranimalhospital.com

Diabetes Mellitus

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Who is at risk for diabetes?

Diabetes is more commonly seen in neutered male cats and female dogs; however, this
disorder can affect any pet at any age. The most common age group affected by diabetes is 7-10 years
of age. Some dog breeds have a predisposition to developing diabetes. Obesity is also a risk factor in
the development of diabetes. If used long-term, drugs containing a glucocorticoid (steroid) may also
increase the risk of diabetes. Other diseases such as chronic pancreatitis, renal disease,
hyperadrenocorticism (Cushings) in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, and heart disease may affect
treatment response.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Some of the earliest clinical signs of
diabetes include increased thirst and urination,
increase appetite, and weight loss. A pet may also
experience lethargy, blindness from cataract
development (dogs), and poor grooming (cats). If
you noticed these signs in your pet, it is important to
have a veterinarian examine him/her. A complete
history and physical exam will be taken and
laboratory assessment will help determine if your pet
has diabetes. Laboratory assessment will include a
complete blood count, serum chemistries, and a
urinalysis. A veterinarian will confirm a diagnosis of
diabetes based on high glucose levels in the blood
and urine (hyperglycemia and glycosuria). Other
testing may be recommended by your veterinarian to
rule out any other health conditions.
Once the diagnosis is established, your
veterinarian may prescribe an insulin type and

dosage. Insulin is given by injection under the skin

only. The injection involves a small needle which
most pets tolerate well. A veterinary technician or
veterinarian will provide educational tools and
instructions on how to give insulin injections and be
available to answer any questions. If obesity is a
concern in your diabetic pet, your veterinarian may
also recommend a strict diet and exercise regiment.
Treatment for a diabetic pet requires a time
commitment to determine the best treatment for your
pet. Regular exams, constant blood and urine tests,
and at home monitoring of your pet are all important
aspects of caring for your diabetic pet. Your pet can
live a long and healthy life with correct management
of this disease. It is important to contact your
veterinarian and discuss your concerns and questions
to allow for the best care.

Monitoring Your Diabetic Pet

How to monitor progress of your diabetic family member

Ways to monitor
your pet at home
> Keep a journal of your pets
progress. Note any changes in
water intake and urination.
> Do at home blood glucose
monitoring. Just like humans,
veterinary glucometers are
available to check your pets
glucose levels.
> Monitor your pets appetite. It is
vital to know if your pet is eating.
Insulin helps to lower blood
glucose. If your pet did not eat and
a full dose of insulin is given, this
can result in a dangerously low
blood glucose level called
hypoglycemia.
> Be consistent. Provide twice
daily feedings and insulin
injections at the same time
everyday. This will help decrease
fluctuations in blood glucose
levels.

Not just a pet, but also an

important member of your
family. At home monitoring
can provide essential
information in managing
your pets diabetes.

Why should you note any

changes in your pet?
You, the caretaker, are your diabetic pets strongest ally
when managing your pets needs. In order to provide the
greatest and most effective care it is important for you to
record and monitor any changes in your pets daily
routine. This will aid you and your veterinarian in
providing the best care. Monitoring for signs of
hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia will help ensure that
your pets diabetes is effectively controlled.

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)

What causes it?

Giving too much

insulin or giving
insulin without
ensuring your pet
eats a meal.

Signs of
hypoglycemia
Lethargy, weakness,
unresponsiveness,
ataxia (unstable
walking), and
seizures.

What to do?
Rub corn syrup
onto gum tissue
and transport to
the nearest
veterinary clinic.

Kruger Animal Hospital 1824 W Hovey Ave Normal, IL 61761 309-452-5111

Nutrition Needs for Diabetic Pets

Kruger Animal Hospital
1824 W. Hovey Ave
Normal, IL 61761

Did you know nutrition could

play a vital role in managing
your diabetic pet?
Diabetic pets require a diet that is different from a
healthy average pet. Many diabetic pets may require a
prescription diet that will help manage your pets blood
glucose (sugar). Diabetic cats and dogs require different
nutritional needs to better manage their condition and
provide a happy, healthy lifestyle.
For dogs, diets that are rich in fiber have been
known to help aid in management of diabetes. Fiber will
promote slower digestion, which will allow absorption of
carbohydrates, a source of glucose. Feeding a fiber rich
food will ensure a decrease in blood sugar fluctuations after
meals. This will promote a balance in maintaining blood
glucose levels and decrease the clinical signs seen with
diabetes such as increase thirst, urination, and appetite.
For cats, a diet rich in protein, fiber, and fat and
low in carbohydrates is beneficial. A cats digestive system
is meant to digest and metabolize foods that are high in
protein due to their carnivorous tendencies. The limited
amounts of carbohydrates in a high protein diet help to
decrease blood glucose levels. These could lead to a
decrease in the amount of insulin needed to control blood
glucose in your feline.
While diet is an important aspect in maintaining
your diabetic pet, your veterinarian will supply you with all
the information regarding your pets specific treatment plan.
Insulin injections along with diet changes and weight loss
may be needed in order to accurately to reduce elevations in
blood glucose also known as hyperglycemia.
Please contact our office for more information on
these prescription diets and your diabetic pet.

At-Home Blood Glucose Monitoring

Did you know that once your pets condition has been successfully managed with insulin, it is possible
for you to do periodic blood glucose testing at home? All you need is a veterinary approved glucometer
and a small blood sample from your pet. If interested, a veterinary technician will educate you on how
to check your pets blood glucose! This is especially useful for diabetic cats that develop transient
diabetes, meaning their condition goes into remission and they no longer need insulin. Please contact
our office for more information.

A veterinary approved glucometer is

needed since they are calibrated for cat
and dog glucose levels.
The ear margin is
sample site for both
cats and dogs

For more information on at-home testing, please visit

the links below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT_bhB903Sc
http://www.alphatrakmeter.com
Kruger Animal Hospital
309-452-5111
1824 W. Hovey Ave, Normal, IL 61761
www.krugeranimalhospital.com

The paw pad is

another sample site
for cats and dogs

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MANAGING DIABETES
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