How can I tell if a rat has diabetes? - briefly
Measure the rat’s blood glucose with a calibrated glucometer using a tail‑tip or saphenous sample and compare the result to normal rodent levels (≈80–120 mg/dL). Look also for polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and cataract formation as supporting indicators.
How can I tell if a rat has diabetes? - in detail
Recognizing diabetes in a laboratory rat requires systematic observation and objective testing.
Clinical signs develop gradually and may include:
- Excessive drinking and urination, often evident as wet bedding or increased water bottle usage.
- Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased food intake.
- Lethargy, reduced activity, and a dull coat.
- Cataract formation, particularly in older animals.
These symptoms alone are insufficient for diagnosis; quantitative measures confirm hyperglycemia.
Blood glucose measurement
- Use a calibrated glucometer with rat‑specific test strips.
- Collect a small volume of tail vein blood after a 4–6 hour fast.
- Values above 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) indicate hyperglycemia; repeat sampling on separate days to rule out stress‑induced spikes.
Glucose tolerance test (GTT)
- Fast the animal for 12 hours.
- Administer a glucose bolus (2 g/kg) intraperitoneally.
- Measure blood glucose at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes.
- Persistent elevation above baseline at 120 minutes confirms impaired glucose clearance.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
- Collect a small whole‑blood sample.
- Analyze with an assay validated for rodent hemoglobin.
- Levels exceeding 6 % reflect chronic hyperglycemia.
Urine analysis
- Test for glucosuria using dipsticks; presence of glucose corroborates elevated blood levels.
- Assess ketone bodies; positive results suggest uncontrolled diabetes.
Additional laboratory assessments
- Serum insulin concentrations measured by ELISA distinguish type 1‑like insulin deficiency from type 2‑like insulin resistance.
- Lipid profile and liver enzymes help evaluate metabolic complications.
A definitive diagnosis integrates observed behavioral changes, consistent hyperglycemic readings, and supportive laboratory data. Regular monitoring of glucose and body weight is essential for tracking disease progression and therapeutic response.