Blood glucose curve

When a pet is diagnosed with diabetes, often insulin injections are necessary. In order to find out how much insulin to give, veterinarians can use a so-called blood glucose curve. Dr Stijn Niessen of the Royal Veterinary College London explains.

[@sallygold]

My dog was diagnosed at the end of 2015. She’s 16 and going strong. I remember watching this so much respect xx

[@frankasaint]

Thank you so much for this excellently explained video!

[@KimRadlo]

Thank you. I have recently begun home-testing and this is quite helpful with my learning curve.

[@bernielove49]

Thank you for explaining this it’s very helpful.

[@TheDogBookCompany]

Well explained, thank you so much for sharing!

[@Hummingbirds2023]

Thank you that was easy to understand! I haven’t done the blood draw yet... I am not looking forward to doing it every two hrs. I have the two insulin shots down pat.

[@drquadagno]

Excellent

[@clairepetko6918]

Thank you

[@aerodicus]

All I can get are glucose peaks and valleys, no matter the dose size the reaction is always a rapid drop followed by a rapid increase, with zero stabilization. The dosage size only determines how far down the glucose will drop before bouncing back at the same rate. The monitor chart looks like an ekg.

[@georgekirimkiroglou4556]

Hi doctor. What should be some good rates for fasting insulin curve, for 60 and 120 minutes , after getting 75gr of sugar ?

[@charlottehendricks9286]

I am committed to do curve at home , my vet doesn't seem to want that. I can't afford several curves at vet, 50 to 80 dollars a lick. so I am wanting to see if I can estimate insulin amounts my self. need more info if you can . my dogs now on 8 , he's 27 lb. Doxie.

[@67angelface]

My cat has just been diagnosed with diabetes. I can't afford the curve tests. I would like to know how to do the glucose curve tests myself to find out how much insulin he needs. I need more info too.

[@williamcochran6242]

Thanks

[@waynemainor6206]

will the curve go down and start back up in a 12 hour cycle. I feed and inject insulin twice a day.

[@jeffdavis5841]

Each cat is different. They won't all actually meet their "nadir" or most effective point of BG reduction from an insulin injection at the same time in the 12 hour cycle. That is why its a good idea to create curve so you know how your pet reacts to the insulin. I encourage you to do home testing as it gives you a truer picture as to the actual BG reading. Often cats in the vet for a curve can experience high levels of stress and push their BG readings much higher than at home which can result in an inaccurate or too high of an insulin dose. I would encourage you to test at home, do a curve through a 12 hr cycle and then consult with your vet regarding insulin dosage. Dosage changes should be done in small increments like 1/4 to 1/2 unit at a time and then allow you pet 3 to 5 days to adjust to it before changing dosage again...unless of course they go way low or hypoglycemic! Remember that a high BG reading isn't good but too low hypoglycemia can kill your pet!
Make sure you are feeding wet, low carb food and no dry! And if you can (except when doing a curve) try to feed 3 to 5 times a day. For more info there is a free website : www.felinediabetes.com

[@devlinp6]

A person who owns a pet can manage the curve it doesn't have to be a vet. 6-8-12 Is the best times to do the curve.

[@personanongratano1]

But why is my dog's glucose lowest before eating and insulin administration and raises during the day?? Then comes back down before meals. It is like a mountain or upside down curve... PLEASE help!!!

[@Franklinsadventures]

It's called a mountain curve. Do you test at home? Mine would have a smile curve at the vet, but mountain at home. Mountain was his actual lifestyle.

[@melissaball2773]

Food helps with maintaining levels. Long time without can cause levels to drop. The goal is to keep a healthy level. This guy is pretty accurate with learning your pets levels on a daily level and determining when they are falling into the danger zone so you can better manage them at home.

[@devlinp6]

A couple of days done every 12 hours will work.

[@williamcochran6242]

Thanks again and have a great day

[@dianesellars1282]

Do you need a feline glucose meter

[@JanineDavidge]

What are normal blood glucose numbers in cats. Normal high and normal low?

[@lisamaier9984]

Our vet says it is the same as humans. If you can keep them between ruffle 135 to 60. We have started using a Lebra monertering which is much better.

[@JanineDavidge]

@@lisamaier9984 fantastic. Ty so much.

[@adrianabarbulescu9270]

Normal range bg considered to be between 5/6 and 16.3

[@susanwebster7584]

Looks like a great vid - but NO SOUND!

[@paulbroderick8438]

No mention whatsoever of the NORMAL RANGE, high/low, of glucose level in a dog. Disappointing.

[@jillmeredith2012]

I wish my veterinarian was this hot.