Monitoring and Managing a Diabetic Cat with Low Blood Glucose

Managing some diabetic cats can feel like a tightrope walk—especially when blood sugar levels drop too low. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a serious concern, and can be caused by too much insulin or when a cat starts going into diabetic remission. With the right knowledge and support, you can help your feline friend stay safe and well.

What Is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia happens when a cat’s blood glucose (sugar) level falls below the normal range. While we usually focus on high blood sugar with diabetes, a sudden drop can be more dangerous.

Common signs to watch for include:

• Lethargy or weakness

• Unsteady gait or stumbling

• Twitching or seizures

• Disorientation or unusual behavior

• Sudden hunger

• Collapse in severe cases

  
  

If your cat ever shows these signs, it’s important to act quickly and contact us or an emergency veterinary centre.

Testing a cat's blood glucose is a relatively easy procedure at home

Causes: Too Much Insulin or in Remission?

There are two common reasons why a diabetic cat might develop hypoglycemia:

1. Excess Insulin: This is can due to changes in diet, missed meals, or an incorrect insulin dose.

2. Diabetic Remission: Some cats, especially those newly diagnosed or treated with a low-carb diet, can enter remission. This means their body starts producing enough insulin again, and their need for injected insulin drops or disappears entirely. If insulin doses aren't adjusted quickly enough, blood sugar can drop..

   
   

Monitoring at Home: Your Safety Net

Monitoring blood glucose at home is one of the best tools for managing your cat’s diabetes—and avoiding hypoglycemia. Many owners use handheld glucometers or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to keep tabs on their cat’s levels. Consistently negative urine sugar levels are also a warning sign that the insulin dose may be too high.

• Before an insulin dose: Check glucose levels before giving insulin. If the number is low, it may be safer to skip or adjust the dose—but talk to us first before making any major changes.

• Track trends: Keeping a log of readings helps identify patterns and potential dips. Sudden drops could be a sign of impending remission or dosing issues.

• Watch behavior: Subtle signs like sleeping more, acting “off,” or being extra hungry can be early warnings of a low sugar level. If you're unable to measure blood glucose at home, chat to us about placing a CGM if you notice any of these signs.

What to Do if Your Cat’s Glucose Drops

If your cat shows mild symptoms of hypoglycemia and is alert enough to eat, offer a small amount of food right away. You can administer a small dose of glucose syrup or honey on their gums if they’re not interested in food (but still conscious). Never force anything into your cat’s mouth if they’re unresponsive—this is an emergency.

After any suspected hypoglycemic episode, contact your veterinarian immediately. They may want to recheck blood sugar, adjust the insulin dose, or reassess whether your cat is entering remission.

A small amount of glucose syrup can be administered into the mouth if you suspect or confirm your cat is having a hypoglycemic episode

Diabetic Remission: A Good Surprise (That Needs Careful Handling)

Remission often sneaks up on cat owners, and if insulin isn’t tapered quickly enough, it can lead to hypoglycemia. That’s why close communication with our veterinary team is key, especially during the early months of treatment.

Signs your cat might be going into remission include:

• Normal or low blood glucose levels despite a regular insulin dose

• Less thirst or urination

• Weight gain or improved energy

  
  

If we suspect remission, we may recommend gradually reducing insulin or even stopping it for a monitored trial period.

Conclusion

Whether caused by too much insulin or a welcome slide into remission, hypoglycemia in cats needs to be taken seriously —but it’s also manageable with vigilance, home monitoring, and veterinary support. If you ever feel unsure or uneasy about your cat’s glucose levels or behaviour, it’s always better to call us and check. Let our vet team know if you need help with glucose monitoring, adjusting insulin, or just want a second look at your cat’s trends. You’re not in this alone!