Monitoring Methods for Dogs and Cats with Diabetes Mellitus

Effective monitoring is essential for the management of dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus. However, methods for evaluating glycemic control must be tailored to meet both the needs of the patient and the expectations of the owner. This article discusses the philosophies that drive blood glucose monitoring in veterinary diabetics and review common practices. The advantages and limitations of the various options are presented. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2012;6(3):491-495 SYMPOSIUM Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrinopathy in dogs and cats. Although the underlying etiologies differ for the two species, both are treated with exogenous insulin and require regular monitoring to ensure appropriate therapy.1 Successful patient management is widely defined by the maintenance of a stable body weight and mitigation of clinical signs such as excessive thirst, urination, and hunger, along with the avoidance of ketosi