Exciting advancements highlighted in 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats

For the first time, AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines have been divided by species. The 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats is now live; guidelines for dogs will be released this fall.

“We are thrilled to provide this highly requested update for the Diabetes Guidelines,” said Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, AAHA Chief Medical Officer. “We are especially excited to announce that, for the first time, we have divided these into separate Canine and Feline Guidelines in recognition of the unique nature of the disease process in each species.”

Separating cats from dogs for this third update of the guidelines made sense, as the disease requires a significantly different approach in cats than in dogs. And new innovations, like the availability of SGLT2 inhibitor drugs for cats, has created even more differences in treatment strategies between the two species.

“Feline diabetes has been transformed with the arrival of the SGLT2-inhibitors,” said  Audrey K. Cook, BVM&S, MSc Vet Ed, FRCVS, DACVIM, DECVIM, DABVP (Feline Practice), member of the AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines task force. “These new guidelines will make it easier for practitioners to select the best treatment options and manage their patients more successfully.”

Diabetes guidelines overview

The fact is, cats who develop diabetes can live comfortably with the disease throughout their lives with proper treatment. Some can even experience disease remission. These guidelines are designed to help general practitioners (and all members of the veterinary team) feel confident in treating cats with diabetes.

You’ll find a plethora of useful information and insights for treating feline diabetes patients in these guidelines, including (but not limited to):

• Diagnosing diabetes mellitus in cats
• Understanding risk factors and managing at-risk cats
• Treating and monitoring cats on SGLT2 inhibitor treatment
• Treating diabetic ketoacidosis and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis
• Recognizing diabetic remission
• Using the right tests to monitor glycemic status
• Managing diet

You’ll also find step-by-step guidance and handy charts and algorithms for starting SGLT2 inhibitor treatment, insulin starting doses (broken down by type), how to troubleshoot hypoglycemia, and tips for helping cats who’ve become unregulated.

And, as you’ve come to expect from AAHA’s guidelines, there are also tips for talking to clients about managing their cat’s diabetes, including how to recognize hypoglycemia and what to do if it occurs. After all, managing diabetes requires a team effort, so looking for ways that all members of the team, from technicians to CSRs to the pet parents themselves, can do their part is an important element of a successful treatment plan.

That communication must not only be clear, but also supportive and empathetic. Successful control can take weeks or months, and some families will be better equipped for the challenge than others. Providing clients with the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and tell you when they’re unable to comply with a recommendation is imperative.

Exciting advancements

Renee Rucinsky, DVM, DABVP (Feline), cochair of the AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines task force, has worked on all three iterations of the Diabetes Management Guidelines, and noted that she’s seen amazing advancements in the care of diabetic patients over the years.

“I’m especially excited about this version and its expanded commitment to improving care for diabetic cats,” she said. “Separating the guidelines into easy to use feline and canine documents will make it more streamlined for practitioners to go directly to the information they need, and the updated information on the use of SGLT2 inhibitor drugs in cats is invaluable.”

AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines task force member Cassie Panning, BS, CVT, VTS (Nutrition), agreed.

“I am especially excited that the guidelines have expanded into two dedicated publications—one for dogs and one for cats—allowing for more precise, species-specific management. It’s incredibly rewarding to showcase the significant advancements made over the past eight years, including important updates in insulin therapy, as well as the introduction of new medications and advanced monitoring technologies that are transforming patient care.”

From diagnosis and communication to treatment and monitoring, diabetes can be a complex disease, but with the help of these guidelines, you and your team will be better equipped to provide the best care possible to your feline diabetes patients.

Photo credit: Milan_Jovic /E+ via Getty Images

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