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→Monitoring
===Monitoring===
===Monitoring===
Since diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease, its course is best monitored by the owners of the affected animal with regular visits to a veterinary surgeon. The following variables can therefore be easily measured:
*'''Owner's subjective opinion''' of the general health of the animal. The owner may be encouraged to keep a diary documenting any episodes of concern.
*'''Weight''', since unstable animals will lose weight.
*'''Ketones''' and '''glucose''' in urine, which can be monitored semi-quantitatively with dipsticks.
*'''Polyuria''' and '''poldipsia''' as water can be measured easily before it is offered.
Repeat measurements of blood glucose and/or fructosamine can be made when the animal is presented for re-checks. Ideally, the blood glucose concentration should be maintained slightly above the normal level and it is worth remembering that many animals suffer stress-induced hyperglycaemia when in an unfamiliar environment. If this is considered to be a problem in a particular animal, the fructosamine level will give an indication of the degree of control achieved over the previous 2-3 weeks. Blood glucose curves are not indicated unless the patient shows overt clinical signs of diabetes mellitus or if a change to the insulin dose is intended.
===Instability===
===Instability===