Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar): the emergency every owner should know
Low blood sugar is the most urgent risk for a diabetic pet. Learn the warning signs, exactly what to do, and how to prevent it.
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Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar): the emergency every owner should know
Of everything in diabetes care, this is the one to read carefully. Hypoglycaemia — dangerously low blood sugar — is the most urgent risk a diabetic pet faces, and knowing what to do turns a frightening moment into a manageable one.
What causes it?
Low blood sugar usually happens when there's too much insulin relative to food — after an accidental overdose, a missed or refused meal, unusually hard exercise, or (hopefully as treatment works) an improving condition that now needs less insulin. It's the mirror image of the high glucose you're used to watching for.
What are the warning signs?
Watch for weakness, wobbliness or unsteadiness, trembling, disorientation or a "vacant" look, sudden intense hunger, and — in severe cases — collapse or seizures. Signs can come on quickly, so if your pet seems suddenly "not right" after insulin, treat low blood sugar as the prime suspect.
What do I do right now?
Act immediately
If your pet is conscious, rub honey or glucose syrup on the gums and contact your vet immediately. The sugar is absorbed through the gums and can act fast. If your pet is unconscious or having a seizure, do not put anything in their mouth — take them to the vet straight away. Either way, your vet needs to know: this is an emergency, not a wait-and-see.
How do I prevent it?
Prevention is mostly routine: feed with insulin and make sure your pet has actually eaten; never give a full dose to a pet that has refused food without asking your vet; keep exercise consistent rather than occasionally extreme. There's one crucial rule:
Never double-dose
Never give a second dose to make up for a missed or uncertain one, because too much insulin is far more dangerous than too little.
Keep a tube of honey or glucose syrup and your vet's emergency number somewhere obvious.
Mello's reminders and clear dose log help you avoid the double-dose and missed-meal mistakes that cause most hypos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Next?
Continue your diabetes management journey with these recommended next steps.
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Mello is a tracking and communication tool, not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for medical decisions about your pet.