Diagnostic Approach to Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus

Hyperglycemia is a common laboratory finding in small animal practice and may occur as a physiological response to stress or as a manifestation of endocrine and metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus. Accurate diagnosis requires integration of clinical history, physical examination, blood glucose measurements, urinalysis, serum biochemistry, fructosamine concentration, and assessment for concurrent diseases. Distinguishing persistent hyperglycemia from stress-induced hyperglycemia, particularly in cats, is essential for avoiding misdiagnosis. Identifying underlying causes, evaluating diabetic complications, and recognizing differential diagnoses such as hyperadrenocorticism, pancreatitis, and acromegaly contribute to accurate diagnosis and appropriate case management in canine and feline patients.