Hypoglycemia
As an owner of a feline with cat diabetes, you have to be on the lookout for a hypoglycemic reaction. Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar that is also called insulin reaction or insulin shock.
This is a dangerous condition and must be treated immediately.
There
are two ways to decide that your cat's blood glucose is too low.
You can test the numbers by using a home testing kit like a glucometer.
You can also watch for the symptoms which include restlessness, lethargy,
unusual hunger or an unusual disinterest in eating, shivering, head tilting,
staggering, eyesight problems, disorientation, seizures, or coma.
The actions you take will depend on how severe the hypoglycemia is. Always keep syrup such as Karo syrup or honey in your kitchen. These are short term solutions, but they can save your cat's life.
If your cat has low numbers without symptoms, your cat's regular food might be enough to end the mild hypoglycemia. Offer your cat her favorite treats to encourage her to eat.
For a more moderate case of hypoglycemia, you will want to give your cat syrup. Measure out one tablespoon of syrup. If your cat will eat food with syrup on it, drizzle it over the food. The syrup will help boost the blood glucose quickly while the food will keep it elevated. If your cat won't eat food with syrup, rub the syrup on the inside of your cat's cheeks and your cat's gums. The cat does not need to swallow to absorb the sugar.
Keep an eye on your cat to make sure your cat won't have another hypoglycemic reaction and call your vet.
If your cat is having severe symptoms such as a seizure, it is important that you rush your cat to the vet. Before you go, try to rub some syrup on the cat's gums. To prevent choking, use a small amount of syrup at a time, and avoid the teeth so that you do not get bitten.
A hypoglycemic reaction can be scary, but being prepared is the best thing that you can do. If you are not sure if your cat is having a hypoglycemic reaction, it is best to give the syrup. Temporary high blood sugar is not as dangerous to your cat as low blood sugar is.