Glucose Level Chart for Canines: Understanding the Outcome

A Deep Dive into Glucose Curves for Diabetic Doggos:

Diabetes in canines is just as tricky as in humans — maintaining normal blood sugar levels (70-130 mg/dL) is the ultimate goal, but achieving this isn't always straightforward. Doggos with diabetes often need insulin injections every 12 hours, and reaching a balance between too much and too little insulin can be a challenging task.

Understandably, both high and low blood sugar levels can be dangerous for our furry friends. That's where glucose curves come in handy, helping vets evaluate their patients' response to the given insulin dose and make necessary adjustments to ensure blood sugar stays in a safe range.

What's a Glucose Curve for Dogs?

In essence, a glucose curve for a diabetic dog is a series of blood sugar measurements over a 12 or 24-hour period, starting before a meal and insulin dose. Measurements are taken every 1-2 hours to determine whether the dog's insulin level is working effectively.

A typical curve will show a blood sugar rise after a meal followed by a decline as the insulin takes effect. As the insulin wears off, the blood sugar level rises until the next meal and insulin dose. The exact pattern or shape of the graph depends on the type of insulin, the dose, and the pet's individual response to the insulin.

Glucose Curve Procedure:

Glucose curves are usually performed at the vet's clinic, but some pet parents feel confident managing blood sugar sampling at home using a hand-held glucometer designed for canine blood samples. However, whether at home or at the clinic, the vet will interpret the results and recommend changes to the insulin dose if needed.

Insulin Levels: Dangerous but Necessary:

While insulin is crucial for managing canine diabetes, it's essential to remember that it's a dangerous drug. Too much insulin can lead to low blood sugar and potential seizures, collapse, and even death. On the flip side, too little insulin can result in abnormal metabolism, which, if untreated, can be fatal. This is why glucose curve tests are crucial to ensure a dog's insulin dose is effective.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Dogs:

Recently, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have become available for dogs. These golf-ball-sized patches are adhered to an area of the dog's skin, allowing glucose levels to be read up to twice a minute for up to 2 weeks. Though they're less invasive, they might not be as accurate as traditional blood glucose testing. The cost can be high—up to $300 per monitor—but the scanner can be reused for future glucose curves.

In summary, glucose curves play an integral role in managing diabetes in dogs. They help vets evaluate the effectiveness of the given insulin dose, identify insulin resistance or Somogyi rebound, and track blood sugar levels in relation to feeding and insulin injection times. By monitoring these vital readings and working collaboratively with vets, pet parents can ensure their diabetic dogs stay healthy and happy.

The workplace can implement wellness programs that focus on managing medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease and type-2 diabetes to improve the overall health and wellness of employees.
Adequate fitness and exercise combined with proper nutrition can help manage chronic diseases like diabetes, leading to an improved quality of life.
The American Football industry, including the NFL and NCAA, has launched initiatives to prioritize mental health and provide support for athletes dealing with stress, depression, and other mental health issues.
Skin care is essential for maintaining good health, and regular check-ups can help detect early signs of potential medical conditions.
Therapies and treatments for chronic diseases often include a combination of medication and lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity, stress management, and a balanced diet.
The use of CBD in certain medical conditions has shown promise, with some studies suggesting it may help manage chronic pain and reduce inflammation.
The sports world, including football, has partnered with health organizations to promote awareness about the importance of proper nutrition, fitness, and exercise during training and competition.
Continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, whether human or canine, is crucial for ensuring proper management of the condition and preventing dangerous spikes or drops in glucose levels.
Proper skin care can help protect your skin from various conditions, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, nutrition, and mental health support can improve overall well-being and prevent chronic diseases.