Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood glucose (sugar) concentration of less than 70 milligrams per deciliter(mg/dl) of blood. Symptoms depend on how quickly the blood glucose concentration decreases, but rarely occur until it falls below 50 mg/dl.

Symptoms reflect the rate of decrease of the blood glucose concentration, the underlying cause of hypoglycemia, and the chronicity of the problem. One common form of hypoglycemia is called juvenile hypoglycemia because it occurs in kittens less than 3 months of age. Juvenile hypoglycemia is common in kittens because they have not fully developed the ability to regulate their blood glucose concentration and have a high requirement for glucose. Stress, cold, malnutrition, and intestinal parasites are problems that may precipitate a bout of juvenile hypoglycemia.

Other Causes

Fasting before vigorous exercise

Excessive insulin administration (may occur in cats with diabetes)

Insulin-producing tumors of the pancreas

Severe liver disease

Other tumors that produce insulin-like factors

Portosystemic shunts

Hereditary diseases arising from abnormal storage of glucose

Serious systemic bacterial infection

What to Watch For

Loss of appetite

Extreme lethargy

Incoordination

Trembling and muscular twitching

Weakness

Seizures

Unusual behavior

Dilated pupils and apparent blindness

Stupor or coma

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests are needed to identify hypoglycemia and determine its cause. Your veterinarian may recommend the following diagnostic tests:

A complete medical history and thorough physical examination

Measurement of blood glucose concentration

Other diagnostic tests such as complete blood count (hemogram or CBC), routine serum biochemistry tests, urinalysis, and serum insulin concentration to establish the underlying cause of hypoglycemia

Ultrasound examination of the abdomen to identify a pancreatic or other tumor that could be causing hypoglycemia

Treatment

Ultimately, treatment for the underlying cause of hypoglycemia is necessary, but initially, your veterinarian may administer glucose orally or by intravenous injection to increase blood glucose concentration.

Home Care and Prevention

At home it will be necessary to observe your cat's general activity level, appetite and attitude. If you have reason to suspect hypoglycemia, you should rub Karo® syrup or other high sugar concentration syrup on your cat's gums and call your veterinarian immediately.

Some preventative measures can help. Provide a warm environment, frequent feedings, routine vaccinations and de-worming procedures for kittens as recommended by your veterinarian. Also, provide frequent, regular feedings. Young kittens should be allowed to eat as much as they want. Be sure to feed a high quality pet food.