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Read this before the first injection at home.
Low blood sugar (a “hypo”) is the most urgent risk. Signs include weakness, wobbliness, trembling, confusion, collapse or seizures, often after insulin. Where a pet is conscious and swallowing, vets commonly advise rubbing honey or glucose syrup on the gums and contact your vet immediately. If your pet is unconscious or having a seizure, do not put anything in their mouth — take them to the vet straight away. Read the hypoglycaemia guide
Your dog or cat is diabetic.
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A pet diabetes diagnosis brings instant worry. Most diabetic dogs and cats can be managed well with a consistent routine and veterinary follow-up, and thousands of owners do it every day — though the first few weeks usually take some adjusting.
This page is designed to help you understand what comes next—not to replace your vet's guidance, but to give you confidence and context.
What to do right now
Write down the diagnosis details
Note the vet's diagnosis, blood glucose levels, and any insulin dose prescribed. Keep these as your starting record, so your vet can compare later results against them.
Get our Starter Kit checklistLearn the basics
Understanding your pet's condition removes anxiety. Start with our guides on signs, treatment, and what to expect.
Explore the guidesStart tracking
Record the glucose checks your veterinary team has asked you to do, alongside insulin, meals and anything unusual. The record is what helps you and your vet spot patterns; how often to test is their call, not ours.
Join the early-access listYour first-week checklist
Key First Steps
First 7 days
- 1
Day 1: Learn the signs of low blood sugar and what to do — before the first injection at home
- 2
Day 2: Get medication and feeding organised
- 3
Day 3: Start logging what you observe
- 4
Day 4: Write down questions for your vet
- 5
Day 5: Understand the diagnosis — what it means and what happens next
- 6
Day 6: Set up the routine with family or your pet sitter
- 7
Day 7: Review the week and share your notes
A guide to getting orientated — not a clinical schedule. Follow your vet's instructions on insulin, feeding and monitoring.
Five things to know right now
Diet matters more than you think
In cats, a low-carbohydrate diet is often part of early management, and some cats go into remission. In dogs, diabetes is usually lifelong and the dietary priorities are different — consistency and timing matter more than cutting carbohydrate. Your vet can guide you on food for your own pet.
Patterns matter more than single readings
One high glucose reading doesn't mean your pet is in danger. Look for trends over days and weeks. Your vet will help you interpret them.
Your vet is your partner
Regular follow-ups help your vet adjust insulin and monitor for complications. Frequent communication is key to success.
Remission is possible
Some diabetic pets, especially cats, can achieve remission with proper diet and management. It's not guaranteed, but it happens.
Your pet can live a long, happy life
Diabetes is manageable. Many pets live years with good quality of life. You have the tools and support to do this.
Guides to explore
Signs of Diabetes in Dogs
Recognize early warning signs and understand what's happening.
Signs of Diabetes in Cats
Cats often show different symptoms than dogs. Here's what to watch for.
Is Diabetes in Dogs Autoimmune?
Understand why canine diabetes is not something you caused.
How Common Is Diabetes in Cats?
See the UK figures, age patterns and risk factors.
Feeding a Diabetic Pet
Diet is the foundation of management. Learn what works best.
How to Give an Insulin Injection
Step-by-step guidance to give injections with confidence.
You've got this
Track trends, share data with your vet, and focus on what matters: keeping your pet healthy and happy.
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