Glucose curves explained: what they are and why your vet wants one

"We need to do a glucose curve" is a phrase most diabetic pet owners hear early on — and it sounds more technical than it is. Here's what it means and why it matters.

What is a glucose curve?

It's simply a series of blood glucose readings taken at intervals across a day, plotted as a line. Rather than one snapshot, it shows the whole story of how your pet's glucose rises and falls in response to a single insulin dose — how far it drops, when it hits bottom, and how long the insulin lasts.

Why does the shape matter so much?

Because the shape tells your vet whether the dose and timing are right. The key point is the nadir — the lowest reading after the dose. If the nadir is too high, the dose may be too low; if it's too low, the dose may be dangerous and need reducing. The curve also shows how long the insulin works, which affects timing. Adjusting insulin without a curve is guesswork; with one, it's evidence.

How is a curve done?

Traditionally, readings every couple of hours across roughly 12 hours. This can be done in the clinic, but a home curve is often more accurate because your pet isn't stressed — clinic stress can distort the numbers. Continuous glucose monitors have transformed this: a small skin sensor records glucose continuously for up to two weeks, building far richer curves with no repeated pricks.

What you can do

You don't interpret the curve — that's your vet's job — but you can capture the readings cleanly and consistently, which is what makes a curve trustworthy. Mello logs each reading with its time and plots the curve for you, ready to share.