Serial Blood Glucose Typing - Canine and Feline

Indications:

Serial blood glucose testing is used to assess insulin responsiveness, peak activity, duration and the extent of glycaemic control over a 24-hour period. It is the test of choice for identification of the Somogyphenomenon (insulin-induced hypoglycaemia inducing a rebound hyperglycaemia).

This test can be used early in therapy to allow optimism of feeding and insulin administration for the individual case. It is also helpful where glycaemic control is deteriorating or is very unstable.

Notes:

Results of this test can be profoundly affected by stress at sampling, inappetence and exercise. To minimise artefacts, the taking of samples through an in-dwelling catheter is preferred over repeated venepuncture.

Shortened tests run over the normal working day can miss significant hyperglycaemia overnight, and, at a minimum, a 2-3 hour post-prandial sample should be taken after the evening meal.

While two hourly sampling is ideal, three hourly is acceptable.

During the test, dogs should be managed as usual in relation to the timing of insulin and feeding.

Protocol:

• Take baseline blood (1ml) sample into fluoride oxalate anticoagulant. Mix the sample and check for the presence of any clotting. Label with time and owners name.
• Store this and subsequent samples in the fridge prior to despatch.
• Insert in-dwelling intravenous catheter. Flush the cap with heparanised saline in the normal manner.
• Diabetic management and feeding regime should be as far as possible normal for the individual.
• Take further samples into fluoride oxalate as above at 2-3 hourly intervals.
• Complete the protocol sheet (separate sheet) and send with the samples to the laboratory.

Serial Blood Glucose Testing (Canine and Feline)