Diabetes Mellitus results from inadequate production of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin makes the sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream go into the body's cells. Decreased insulin levels result in an increase in blood glucose, decreased intracellular glucose, and a "spill-over" of glucose into the urine.

Signs include increased water consumption and volume of urination, and weight loss in spite of an increased appetite.

Left untreated, vomiting, decreased appetite and depression can occur. Diabetic dogs and cats are at increased risk of developing urinary tract infections, due to high levels of sugar in the urine. Additionally, diabetic pets are at risk of developing a potentially fatal complication of diabetes called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).

Glucometer readings: This method requires a small drop of blood be produced at each reading.

Libre Sensor: An alternative to blood glucose testing is a Freestyle Libre. The Freestyle Libre is a sensor that tests from the interstitial subcutaneous space. When the sensor is applied, a small catheter is inserted into your pet's skin, and is attached with skin safe adhesive. This sensor lasts for 14 days before it needs to be replaced, but has unlimited use during that time. To get a reading, all you need to do is turn the reader on and wave the Freestyle Libre reader over the sensor and a value will pop up.

The most important part of at-home diabetic care is routine. This includes taking a blood glucose level, feeding a meal twice a day, and administering insulin at regular intervals, once in the morning, and once in the evening.

In diabetes monitoring, it is important to take a blood glucose prior to feeding a meal, because food will affect the glucose reading, and we need an accurate reading to determine the appropriate dose of insulin.

These steps should be repeated twice a day, or as directed by your veterinarian:

1. Take a blood glucose - see the accompanying images for a step-by-step guide on how to get a blood sample from the ear or lip. Alternate sides at each blood glucose to prevent soreness.

2. Feed a meal - this may include a diabetic management diet, if your veterinarian recommends it. It is always important for your pet to eat something prior to administering insulin, to prevent hypoglycemia.

3. Administer insulin - after your pet has eaten, you can determine your insulin dose in the printed plan given to you by your veterinarian. Gently roll the bottle between your palms (only shake if the insulin type is Vetsulin). Draw up your insulin dose using the appropriately sized insulin syringes, then administer the injection subcutaneously.

Sometimes, it is difficult to obtain a blood glucose - whether it be because there is too much hair, your pet isn’t cooperating, or you just don’t seem to be lancing places that will provide an adequate amount of blood.

If this occurs, we encourage you to try different methods, using the guides on this page (for lip and ear samples). All pets are different, so it’s important to try and try again (on different parts of the ear or lip) until you find a spot that works best for your pet.

Additionally, it is kind to alternate sides, so that one area doesn’t get too sore.