If your dog’s blood sugar remains high after insulin, it may indicate that the current insulin dose, type, or administration timing is incorrect, or that an underlying infection or inflammation is interfering. Other potential causes include damaged insulin (from heat/freezing), the Somogyi effect (rebound hyperglycemia from a previous low), or changing insulin needs. Consult your veterinarian immediately to perform a blood glucose curve and adjust the treatment plan.

Why is my dog's blood sugar still high after insulin?

The insulin dose is too low. You might be in the stabilization phase and haven't found the right dose yet, or the amount of insulin being produced by the body has dropped even further, meaning that you need a dose adjustment. Your dog has eaten a meal or food that has pushed their blood glucose higher than normal.

Why won't my dog's glucose go down?

The only way to get the glucose down is insulin. He probably needs a higher twice daily dose. Work with your vet and increase his dose, and/or look for complications like Cushing's disease or urinary infections that are making it so hard to control his insulin.

What causes blood sugar to stay high even with insulin?

High blood sugar after insulin often means your insulin dose isn't quite right for your carbs/activity, you have insulin resistance, injection issues (site, air bubbles, old insulin), stress, illness, or timing errors (Dawn Phenomenon, not enough basal), requiring a review with your doctor. 

How long does it take for dog glucose to go down after insulin injection?

The most likely time that a dog will become hypoglycemic is during peak insulin effect (five to eight hours after an insulin injection). When the blood glucose level is only mildly low, the dog will be very tired and unresponsive. Within a few hours, the blood glucose level will rise and your dog will return to normal.

Dog Diabetes: Hyperglycemia & Hypoglycemia

Why isn't blood sugar going down after insulin?

There are other possible causes of your high blood sugar, such as insulin resistance, which may run in your family. That's when your body doesn't respond as well as it should to the insulin it makes. Or, you may be taking a drug for another health problem that keeps your body from using it well.

What is a dangerously high blood sugar for a dog?

The normal level of glucose in the blood is 80-120 mg/dl (4.4-6.6 mmol/L). It may rise to 250-300 mg/dl (13.6-16.5 mmol/L) following a large or high-calorie meal. However, diabetes is the only common disease that will cause the blood glucose level to rise above 400 mg/dl (22 mmol/L).

What happens if insulin stays high?

In the case of hyperinsulinemia due to insulin resistance, excess insulin doesn't cause low blood sugar. Chronic insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia can result in chronic high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which leads to prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

How can I lower my dog's blood sugar quickly?

To lower a dog's blood sugar quickly, immediate veterinary care is essential. Administering insulin as prescribed by a vet is the primary treatment.

How long can a dog live with high blood sugar?

It's true that a dog can pass away within a month or two of beginning to show signs of diabetes, but many will live for a year or two after diagnosis with appropriate treatment. Some do very well for even longer, particularly if they have a dedicated pet parent who can continue to provide the care they need.

Does walking a dog lower blood sugar?

Studies show that low-impact workouts such as walking can help control and reduce blood sugar levels. Such activities help to increase insulin sensitivity, resulting in better control of blood sugar levels. An excellent way to optimize walking for diabetes control or prevention is to walk with your dog regularly.

Why is my dog not responding to insulin medication?

Individual dogs may respond to one type of insulin but not another. Some dogs become resistant to a certain type after time and need to change. Dosages can vary greatly among dogs, as can the timing of dosages.

What to do if blood sugar is high after insulin?

If symptoms of high blood sugar become more noticeable or if your blood sugar level continues to rise, call your doctor. If you start to feel drowsy or disoriented or if your blood sugar continues to rise (for example, above 350 mg/dL), call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

What are the symptoms of too much insulin in a dog?

When a dog receives too much insulin, it is possible for their blood sugar to drop to a dangerously low level. If this happens they will become groggy, listless, nauseous, and may act uncoordinated or “drunken.” If you suspect that this is happening, immediately offer your pet food.

What is the two finger trick for diabetes?

According to its proponents, you use the pinch method by holding the thumb and index finger of one hand just above the wrist of the other hand and then exerting a little bit of pressure on the wrist. Doing this will supposedly cause the release of insulin and break down glucose.

How to calm down a sugar spike?

6 Ways to Naturally Lower Blood Sugar

1. Exercise often. Studies show that exercising regularly can improve blood sugar levels. ...
2. Eat extra fiber. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that slows down digestion and prevents blood sugar spikes. ...
3. Add in apple cider vinegar. ...
4. Try fenugreek. ...
5. Get enough zinc. ...
6. Consume probiotic foods.

Do dog insulin shots have to be exactly 12 hours apart?

Most diabetic dogs require insulin injections twice daily. They should receive injections as close to 12 hours apart as possible, and never less than 10 or more than 13 hours apart.

What if insulin is not lowering blood sugar?

Insulin resistance is a complex condition in which your body doesn't respond as it should to insulin. Insulin is a hormone your pancreas makes that's essential for regulating blood sugar levels. Several genetic and lifestyle factors can contribute to insulin resistance.

Should I give my dog more insulin if blood sugar is high?

As a result of either type of diabetes, the amount of sugar (glucose) in their bloodstream can become dangerously high causing a condition called hyperglycemia. To keep your pet healthy, you'll have to give it injections of insulin, but you'll need to avoid overdoing it.

---