For veterinarians interested in participating in the study

Information for veterinarians: Blood sampling for a clinical study on feline diabetes

There is now an opportunity to participate in a research study on feline diabetes mellitus! The aim of the study is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, and we are looking for cats that have been diagnosed with diabetes but have not yet started treatment.

Participation in the study means that you, as the treating veterinarian, will receive information about the cat’s insulin concentrations, and the research group will be available to discuss laboratory results and treatment.

We would like to receive blood samples (serum tubes) before treatment is initiated, after 3–5 weeks, and after 8–12 weeks. A veterinary questionnaire should be completed and an owner consent form signed. If the cat goes into remission, we would also like to receive a blood sample approximately 4 weeks after treatment has been discontinued. Whenever possible, samples should be collected during the cat’s regular veterinary appointments; otherwise, an additional appointment for blood sampling can be arranged.

At each sampling occasion, a fructosamine analysis is included free of charge. After all three sampling occasions have been completed, endogenous insulin will be analysed free of charge, and the results will be reported to the treating veterinarian.

We ask that the cat is fasted for 8 hours before blood sampling and that the sample is collected before administration of medication (insulin or Senvelgo). The cat can either be fed late in the evening and attend the veterinary appointment the following morning before breakfast and administration of any medication, or be fed at lunchtime and attend the appointment in the afternoon/evening before the next meal and administration of any medication.

If possible, we would appreciate it if you could contact us before collecting the sample. Whenever possible, we will collect the samples from your clinic on the same day they are taken, and we are always available to discuss laboratory results with the treating veterinarian.

Serum collected at the visit should be divided into two tubes:

1. A small volume of serum should be sent for fructosamine analysis together with the veterinary questionnaire and owner consent form to:

Clinical Chemistry Laboratory  
SLU University Animal Hospital  
Box 7038  
SE-750 07 Uppsala  
Sweden

Please contact us if you would like prepaid envelopes.

2. The remaining serum should be frozen at your clinic. We will arrange collection of the frozen serum.

If you would like to participate in the study, please contact Luka Ecimovic by email or telephone.