Continuous glucose monitoring in small animals.

Abstract

The use of continuous glucose monitoring systems in veterinary patients is summarized and discussed. The current clinical uses in veterinary medicine, including monitoring of hospitalized/sick diabetic patients, long-term monitoring of stable diabetic patients, anesthetized patients, and other patients with altered blood glucose homeostasis are presented. The most important advantage of these systems over intermittent blood glucose measurements is that they facilitate detection of brief periods of hypoglycemia and provide information overnight. The accuracy and advantages/disadvantages compared with traditional monitoring are addressed. The technology involved in the currently available monitoring systems is also discussed.