Mumbai Pug Becomes One of the First Pets in India to Use Glucose Monitor for Diabetes

A three-year-old pug in Mumbai has been fitted with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track his blood sugar, making it one of the rare cases of such a device being used in veterinary care. The pug, admitted to the Parel veterinary hospital, is being treated for uncontrolled diabetes, according to Times of India.

The CGM is a small sensor patch, slightly larger than a ₹10 coin, placed on the animal’s abdomen or neck. It sends real-time glucose data to a mobile app and remains effective for up to two weeks before needing replacement.

Managing Diabetes in Pets with Advanced Technology

The pug, named Nikki, was receiving insulin treatment but had critically high blood glucose levels of over 400 mg/dl upon admission—far above the normal 80-120 mg/dl range for dogs. The CGM allows doctors to make timely insulin adjustments without frequent needle pricks.

Dr. Chandrakant Galdhar, professor of medicine at Mumbai Veterinary College, highlighted the significance of this development, noting that while CGMs are widely used for human patients, they remain uncommon in veterinary practice.

Dr. Rajiv V Gaikwad, head of the medicine department, added that pets often resist traditional blood tests, making non-invasive monitoring more practical. Nikki’s owner, Vaishnavi Mali, confirmed the device has reduced her pet’s discomfort caused by repeated ear pricks for glucose testing.

More Than Diabetes: Addressing High Cortisol Levels

In addition to diabetes, Nikki also suffers from elevated cortisol levels, which may be contributing to the blood sugar spike. Doctors have started treatment to manage cortisol levels while continuing glucose monitoring.

Dr. Mayur Dangar, hospital manager, warned of rising lifestyle-related health issues in pets, such as diabetes and obesity. He advised pet owners to ensure balanced diets and regular physical activity for their animals.

Challenges in Adoption of CGM for Pets

While promising, the high cost of CGM devices and limited smartphone compatibility are barriers to broader adoption in veterinary settings. So far, the device has shown no issues with movement or exposure to water, according to Dr. Galdhar.

Nikki remains under observation as the medical team monitors the CGM’s effectiveness in pet diabetes care.

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