Cat insulin dose increased: symptoms to watch & best injection site?

Question

Tomorrow I am to increase the amount of insulin given to my cat who has diabetes. She has been on 1 1/2 units and will now be getting 2 1/2 units. I am to watch her all day to be sure this causes no problems. What in particular do I need to watch for and if there is going to be a problem when does that usually occur? Within half a day, an entire day, into the next day or???? And where do you think is the best place to give injections. In the scruff of the neck is the easiest for me to give. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 19 lbs

Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH · Accepted Answer

Our biggest concerns with an insulin change is that the cat's blood glucose will drop too low on the first day of the change (so within 12 hours for a twice daily insulin, but most commonly 4-8 hours after the injection). That is the reason your vet wants you to monitor Kitty tomorrow. If Kitty appears wobbly, weak, lethargic or does not eat, contact your veterinarian. If Kitty continues to weaken and will not eat, most vet recommend rubbing a small amount of Karo syrup on their gums then seeking veterinary care immediately. I have attached a handout with more specific information about diabetes below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=631 The scruff is often the easiest location to give insulin, but since you will be injecting Kitty twice a day, you want to try to prevent scar tissue development as much as possible, so it is recommended to change injection sites (even just rotating from the scruff to a shoulder or from the left side of the scruff to the right side of the scruff) as much as possible. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answers your questions. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Cat insulin dose increased: symptoms to watch & best injection site?

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