Determinación de niveles de glucosa sanguínea en gatos en la ciudadela el Mamey del Cantón Babahoyo

This experimental study was conducted with the purpose of determining blood glucose levels in cats in the El Mamey neighborhood, Babahoyo canton, Los Ríos province. Blood samples were taken by puncturing the cat's paw pad, using a glucometer to measure glucose levels. Glucose levels in cats vary according to sex, age, and type of diet. In the study involving 50 cats—26 females with an average blood glucose level of 107 mg/dL, and 24 males with an average of 105 mg/dL—both averages fell within the normal glucose range. Regarding age, it was observed that among 5 kittens, the average glucose level was 228 mg/dL, with 2 cats within the normal range and 3 showing elevated levels. Among 40 young adult cats, the average was 92 mg/dL; most had normal values, but 3 cats had levels outside the normal range, with 1 case of hypoglycemia and 2 of hyperglycemia. In 4 mature adult cats, the average was 109 mg/dL, and all were within the normal blood glucose range. One senior cat, aged 12 years, had a glucose level of 76 mg/dL, also within the normal range. Based on the animals' diets, out of the 50 cats, 21 were fed a homemade diet with an average of 95 mg/dL. Most had normal levels, but 2 cats showed low values, possibly indicating hypoglycemia. Meanwhile, among the 29 cats fed a balanced commercial diet, the average was 114 mg/dL; most were within the normal range, but 4 cats had elevated levels, suggesting a possible risk of hyperglycemia. Both diets can be adequate for maintaining healthy glucose levels, as long as they are balanced and adapted to the cat’s metabolic needs. This study highlights the importance of measuring blood glucose levels as a tool for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as diabetes mellitus in cats. The results of this research will contribute to the understanding of factors affecting glucose metabolism in cats and may serve as a foundation for future studies in feline health.

This experimental study was conducted with the purpose of determining blood glucose levels in cats in the El Mamey neighborhood, Babahoyo canton, Los Ríos province. Blood samples were taken by puncturing the cat's paw pad, using a glucometer to measure glucose levels. Glucose levels in cats vary according to sex, age, and type of diet. In the study involving 50 cats—26 females with an average blood glucose level of 107 mg/dL, and 24 males with an average of 105 mg/dL—both averages fell within the normal glucose range. Regarding age, it was observed that among 5 kittens, the average glucose level was 228 mg/dL, with 2 cats within the normal range and 3 showing elevated levels. Among 40 young adult cats, the average was 92 mg/dL; most had normal values, but 3 cats had levels outside the normal range, with 1 case of hypoglycemia and 2 of hyperglycemia. In 4 mature adult cats, the average was 109 mg/dL, and all were within the normal blood glucose range. One senior cat, aged 12 years, had a glucose level of 76 mg/dL, also within the normal range. Based on the animals' diets, out of the 50 cats, 21 were fed a homemade diet with an average of 95 mg/dL. Most had normal levels, but 2 cats showed low values, possibly indicating hypoglycemia. Meanwhile, among the 29 cats fed a balanced commercial diet, the average was 114 mg/dL; most were within the normal range, but 4 cats had elevated levels, suggesting a possible risk of hyperglycemia. Both diets can be adequate for maintaining healthy glucose levels, as long as they are balanced and adapted to the cat’s metabolic needs. This study highlights the importance of measuring blood glucose levels as a tool for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as diabetes mellitus in cats. The results of this research will contribute to the understanding of factors affecting glucose metabolism in cats and may serve as a foundation for future studies in feline health.

El presente estudio experimental se realizó con la finalidad de determinar los niveles de glucosa sanguínea en gatos en la ciudadela El Mamey, cantón Babahoyo, provincia de Los Ríos. Para ello se tomaron muestras de sangre mediante punción en la almohadilla del gato, utilizando un glucómetro para medir los niveles de glucosa. Los niveles de glucosa en los gatos varían según el sexo, la edad y el tipo de dieta. En la investigación realizada en 50 gatos, de los cuales 26 son hembras con un promedio de glucosa en sangre de 107 mg/dl y 24 machos con un promedio de glucosa en sangre de 105 mg/dl ambos promedios dentro del rango normal de glucosa, con respecto a la edad de los gatos se observó que en 5 gatos cachorros el promedio de glucosa fue de 228mg/dL con 2 gatos dentro del rango normal y 3 con niveles elevados, En 40 gatos con la edad adulto joven, su promedio fue de 92mg/dL la mayoría tuvo valores normales, pero 3 gatos presentaron niveles fuera del rango normal, con 1 caso de hipoglucemia y 2 con hiperglucemia. En 4 gatos adultos maduros el promedio fue de 109 mg/dL, y todos los gatos estuvieron dentro del rango normal de glucosa en sangre. Un gato senior de 12 años presentó un nivel de glucosa de 76 mg/dL dentro del rango normal. En base a la dieta del animal del total de 50 gatos, 21 gatos alimentados con dieta casera, el promedio fue de 95 mg/dL, la mayoría tuvo niveles normales, pero 2 gatos mostraron valores bajos, lo que podría indicar hipoglucemia y en 29 gatos alimentados con dieta balanceada, el promedio fue de 114 mg/dL la mayoría estuvo dentro del rango, pero 4 gatos tuvieron niveles elevados, sugiriendo un posible riesgo de hiperglucemia, ambas dietas pueden ser adecuadas para mantener niveles de glucosa saludables, siempre y cuando esté equilibrada y adaptada a las necesidades metabólicas del gato. Este estudio subraya la importancia de medir los niveles de glucosa en sangre como herramienta para el diagnóstico y monitoreo de condiciones como la diabetes mellitus en gatos, los resultados de esta investigación contribuirán al conocimiento de los factores que afectan el metabolismo de la glucosa en los gatos y pueden servir como base para futuras investigaciones en salud felina.