Hypoglycemia, meaning low blood glucose
occurs when the level of glucose in the blood stream drop below a point
at which the brain can get an adequate supply of glucose for its fuel needs.
Unlike other cells in the body, the brain cells
can only utilize glucose for fuel. Other cells can make use of fatty acids,
produced by the liver when glucose levels in the blood are low. Because
of this, low blood glucose levels have a direct effect on the brain and
its functions.
Hypoglycemia can be caused by inadequate food
intake in relation to the amount of insulin administered - that is, the
cat is not eating as much as usual and the insulin dose is too large.
It can also be caused, in the early stages
of the treatment of a diabetic cat when the type of and dose of insulin
have not yet been determined and too much or the wrong type is given.
It can also occur if the cat goes on honeymoon
- that is, if the cat's insulin injection requirements suddenly drop (sometimes
on honeymoon, a cat will require NO injected insulin). If the the cat starts
honeymooning and the normal dose of insulin is administered, a hypoglycemic
episode can result.
This and the detection of hypoglycemic episodes
or their confirmation, ar yet more reasons why Home
Testing of BG levels is so as important in Feline Diabetes as it is
in Human Diabetes.
This lack of fuel to the brain results in the
clinical symptoms that can be observed, some of which include, and are
listed in increasing degree of severity:
lethargy
increased hunger
restlessness or agitation
shivering or shaking
dizziness, staggering, falling down, unable to
negotiate jumps and steps
disorientation - owners have reported such things
as howling, hiding, walking aimlessly in circles
convulsions
coma
If you observe any of these symptoms and are doing
home testing, test the cat immediately. If the BG is very low, immediate
intervention is called for.
If you are not doing home BG testing, you should
err on the cautious side and treat as though you had solid proof from a
BG test of a hypoglycemic episode.
The specific treatment is aimed at raising
the level of glucose in the bloodstream. Do this by giving the cat Karo
corn syrup, honey, pancake/waffle syrup, or in a pinch, mix a very strong
solution of ordinary sugar and water.
If the cat is conscious and appears to be able
to swallow with no difficulty, place the sugar source on his or her
tongue, or if they will freely partake of it, offer it to him or her in
a bowl.
The basic dose should be in the range of 1
gram of glucose for kb of body weight.
So you don't have a gram scale or you live
in the US where we still use ounces and pounds? If administering Karo,
give the cat approximately 1 to 3 teaspoons.
If the cat is unconscious, is convulsing, or
presents any other situation in which swallowing is not possible or is
impaired - DO NOT PUT THE SUGAR SOURCE IN THEIR MOUTH as you would with
a cat who is obviously able to swallow. This can cause choking and asphyxiation.
Instead, rub the substance on their gums. It
will be absorbed fairly quickly through the gums.
If the cat is showing any of the severe symptoms
or if you are not sure of your ability to pull them thorough the hypoglycemic
episode - get them to your vet or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY. You
can continue to administer the sugar source on the trip, but if you are
doing the driving - please, remember it's important you both get there
intact, so watch your driving as you minister to the cat.
If the cat is showing no or few and mild symptoms,
or you detected the hypoglycemic condition via a BG test, you can can administer
the sugar source and watch them for the next 30 to 45 minutes. If they
do not improve - get to the vet.
If you are doing home BG testing, test them
15 to 20 minutes after administering the sugar source.
BUT ALWAYS ERR ON THE SIDE OF SAFETY. If in
doubt get veterinarian care for the cat immediately.
Bear in mind that high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
for a short time will not injury the cat but Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
can KILL
Better to over react and deal with elevated
glucose levels later than to do to o little too late.
Trust your knowledge of what is normal behavior
for your cat and react to the symptoms of hypoglycemia quickly and aggressively.
Coming - a discussion of what level of BG actually
indicates a hypoglycemic episode in the absence of any symptoms. Some cats
can show a reading of 60 on a BG test and not show any symptoms and recover
on their own, others can be in serious trouble with a level of 70.