Why is my diabetic cat's blood sugar high and not responding to insulin?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 11 years and 1 month old | 9 lbs
My female, 11 y/o cat is a diabetic. She takes Prozinc. I follow tight regulation protocol. She was knocked out of remission in January due to tooth resorption. Lately, her insulin does not regulate her BG levels more than about 6 hours. Over the last few days, slightly increased lethargy and a couple episodes of vomiting after eating. (Vomits hair balls rather frequently). i have an appointment for her June 12. Diet is low carb wet food only. Any suggestions what might be elevating her BG?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 29th, 2017
Please try to bring her appointment forward to get her rechecked and her blood sugar levels controlled more effectively if possible. It may be necessary to change her insulin type but she should also be checked for infections/inflammation etc which may be altering her ability to regulate her condition
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on October 7th, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cats can go into remission from diabetes, but it is typically in the first couple months of treatment, not the first couple days. Starting cats on a low carbohydrate diet does influence their blood sugar and subsequent diabetic state, so if Lulu has started a different diet that could be affecting what you are seeing. If you are checking her blood sugars prior to insulin administration and that is why you think her diabetes might be in remission I would recommend reaching out to her regular veterinarian to discuss what you are seeing, as we wouldn’t want to giver her too much insulin and drop her blood sugar too low. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
