Question
Is one glucose number enough?
Sunny, owner notes“I wish my dog lived as long as I do.”Updated
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
Short answer
A scary number can send your heart racing, but one reading only shows what the meter said at that minute. It can't tell you the whole day is safe, or what to do with his insulin. Most vets learn more from a curve. Write the number down with the time and how he seemed, and let your vet look at it. If he seems unwell, call them.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What you might see at home
You test once, hate the number, and want to do something before dinner. Or you test once, like the number, and miss that he's been drinking all evening.
Either way, one number can't tell you how his whole day is going. How he's acting still matters, so keep an eye on his thirst, appetite and energy too.
What to write beside the number
- The time.
- How long since he ate.
- A walk, a visitor, a refused meal, vomiting.
- How he seems right now.
What to take with you
Write the number down with what was going on. Something like 'At 4pm the meter said this, he ate at 8, and he was quiet.' That's the kind of note your vet can use.
Sources
- What is a glucose curve, and can I do it at home?What a glucose curve shows
- My meter shows a number. What should I do?What to do with a meter number
- Can I judge control by thirst and energy?Judging by thirst and energy
- Notes and curves to show your vetNotes and curves for your vet
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
What is a glucose curve, and can I do it at home?
A glucose curve is a set of readings across the day. Your vet will tell you when to do one.
Q&A
My meter shows a number. What should I do?
Write down the number, the time and how he seems. Your vet is the one to say if it's good or bad.
Q&A
Can I judge control by thirst and energy?
If you can't test, his thirst, peeing, hunger and weight still tell you a lot. If any of them get worse, call your vet.
Q&A
How often should I test my diabetic dog?
There's no fixed number of tests. Ask your vet how often they want readings.