Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)
In cats, low blood glucose (sugar), also called hypoglycemia, is defined by the FDA as a blood glucose concentration less than 50 mg/dL. Your veterinarian may begin to have safety concerns when your cat's blood glucose level drops to 80 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if your cat has too much insulin, too little food, or much more exercise than usual.
The good news is that you can help your cat avoid hypoglycemia. Read on to learn how.
Like all insulins, the use of PROZINC even at established doses has been associated with hypoglycemia.
How to avoid it
Here are the best ways to help your cat avoid hypoglycemia:
- Make sure to give your cat the correct dose of PROZINC on a consistent schedule. It may be helpful to have one person in the household responsible for giving the injections.
- If you are not sure the dose was completely delivered, it is important to not give another dose. It is better to err on the side of underdosing your cat with insulin, not overdosing. As always, talk with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions.
- Maintain a regular schedule for feedings, and provide the amount of food recommended by your veterinarian.
- Do not give your cat any prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins or supplements, without your veterinarian's supervision.
- Even after your cat is stabilized, regular visits to your veterinarian are important to monitor disease progress and to make dosing adjustments as necessary.
How to identify it
Hypoglycemia requires your immediate attention, so it's important to recognize the signs, including:
- Weakness
- Depression
- Staggering or walking strangely
- Unusual behavior
- Muscle twitching
- Seizure
- Coma
What to do about it
If you suspect your cat has hypoglycemia, don't panic. You can help your cat by following these steps.
- If your cat isn't conscious, rub a tablespoon of corn syrup or honey on your cat's gums and contact your veterinarian immediately.
- If your cat remains unconscious or is having a seizure, veterinary care is required. Take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.
- If your cat is conscious, or when your cat regains consciousness and is able to swallow, hand feed corn syrup or honey until your cat is alert enough to eat normal food.
- As soon as your cat is alert enough to eat, feed the next scheduled meal instead of waiting for mealtime, and call your veterinarian for advice.
Remember that hypoglycemia is a dangerous condition that can't wait. It is a medical emergency that requires you to take action immediately.
Hypoglycemia tip
Be prepared for this type of emergency by always keeping some corn syrup or honey on hand.