Diabetic Shock

If your pet has been diagnosed with diabetes and is on insulin, you may encounter an episode of diabetic shock. Diabetic shock occurs when the pet’s blood sugar becomes too low (hypoglycemia). Signs of hypoglycemia include: lethargy ataxia (stumbling around) muscle twitching seizures coma Hypoglycemia commonly occurs when the pet is not eating well and the insulin is still administered, if the insulin is improperly administered, or if the amount of insulin as required by the pet is incorrect or has changed. If you see these signs in your pet, seek veterinary attention immediately. If your pet is alert and able to swallow, you can try to administer corn syrup. Try rubbing some on their gums, or giving a teaspoon at a time. If your pet takes the syrup willingly, try mixing some in canned food and encouraging them to eat. Do not administer insulin again without speaking to a veterinary professional. It is possible for the blood sugar to be too high (hyperglycemia), which also requires veterinary attention as the pet’s insulin dose may need to be adjusted. Signs of hyperglycemia include: increased thirst increased urination ataxia (stumbling around) anorexia It is recommended that owners of diabetic pets, learn how to check blood sugar levels at home. A test kit is available through your veterinarian and the correct procedure is commonly taught to pet owners. If any of the signs of hypo/hyperglycemia are noticed, the owner can do a blood sugar test to identify if high or low, and take appropriate measures. For more information about diabetes, see Managing Diabetes Mellitus.