Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose)
In cats, high blood glucose (sugar), also called hyperglycemia, is defined as a blood glucose concentration higher than 200-300 mg/dL. Even after your cat's blood glucose has been stabilized with treatment, it may become elevated again from time to time. This can happen due to stress, illness or injury, or it may be caused by a departure from your normal routine - for example, if your cat eats something unusual, or if you miss a PROZINC injection.
How to avoid it
The best way to help your cat avoid hyperglycemia is by sticking to your routine. It's especially important to give PROZINC injections on time, and to ensure your cat's diet remains consistent from day to day. Anything you can do to keep your cat out of stressful situations will also help, because diabetic cats' glucose levels can spike during stress.
How to identify it
Signs of hyperglycemia were probably present at the time your cat was diagnosed with diabetes,
so you may recognize the same signs if your cat's blood glucose becomes elevated again.
These include:
- Increased thirst demonstrated by drinking more water than usual.
- Urinating more than usual. If you use clumping litter, you may notice
more clumps or larger clumps than you normally see in the litter box.
- Increased appetite demonstrated by eating more food than usual.
- Weight loss, even with increased food intake.
- Weakness in the back legs. You may notice your cat's stance
is different.
- Acting lethargic or sluggish
What to do about it
If you suspect your cat has hyperglycemia, contact your veterinarian for instructions. You may be advised to bring your cat to the veterinary clinic for a blood glucose check so your veterinarian can determine what treatment, if any, your cat needs.