AAHA issues 2026 feline diabetes guidelines with new first-line shift

AAHA has released its 2026 Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats, splitting feline guidance from canine recommendations for the first time and reflecting how much the treatment landscape has changed. The update puts species-specific care front and center, with a notable shift toward SGLT2 inhibitors as a first-line option for many newly diagnosed, otherwise healthy cats that have not previously received insulin. The guidelines also expand guidance on continuous glucose monitors and state that in-hospital blood glucose curves are no longer recommended for routine diabetic monitoring in cats. AAHA published the new feline guideline on April 27, 2026. (aaha.org)

Why it matters: For veterinary teams, this is more than a routine refresh. It formalizes a change many clinicians have been navigating since FDA approvals of feline SGLT2 drugs, including Bexacat in December 2022 and Senvelgo in August 2023. The guideline emphasizes careful case selection, because these drugs are intended for certain newly diagnosed cats and carry important ketoacidosis-related safety considerations. It also reinforces a more practical monitoring model built around the cat’s clinical status, weight, pet parent education, and home-based tools such as CGMs, rather than hospital-based glucose curves alone. (fda.gov)

What to watch: Expect clinics to review their feline diabetes protocols, especially around screening for SGLT2 eligibility, CGM workflows, remission checks after treatment, and pet parent communication. (aaha.org)