Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Bugbee, Andrew et al.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Many cats can develop diabetes, which is a serious condition that affects how their body manages sugar. Managing diabetes in cats can be tricky, but with the right treatment, most cats can feel better and avoid low blood sugar episodes. The new 2026 guidelines provide updated information on diagnosing and treating diabetes in cats, including different types of insulin, dietary advice, and how to monitor their blood sugar levels. They also explain how to recognize cats that might be at risk for diabetes and how to tell the difference between diabetes and temporary high blood sugar. Overall, these guidelines aim to help pet owners and veterinarians work together to manage this condition effectively.
Abstract
A substantial number of cats develop diabetes mellitus (DM), a serious endocrine disorder that can lead to other physiologic complications. While DM management can be complex, successful control that alleviates the patient's clinical signs and avoids hypoglycemia is achievable in most cats. Diabetic remission is also possible. The 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats retain clinically relevant information from the 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines and present new findings and expert opinions. Subjects such as pathophysiology, diagnosis, how to treat and monitor cats receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, various insulin options for cats, how to monitor cats receiving insulin, diet and physical activity recommendations, advantages and disadvantages of at-home glucose monitoring devices, diagnosing and treating diabetic ketoacidosis, and client education are all discussed. The guidelines also cover how to identify patients who are at risk of developing DM and how to differentiate DM from transient or mild hyperglycemia.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42014100/