diff --git a/backend/routes/admin.py b/backend/routes/admin.py
index 69dceeb..b8cfb40 100644
--- a/backend/routes/admin.py
+++ b/backend/routes/admin.py
@@ -124,9 +124,12 @@ async def action_items(user=Depends(require_mod)):
         users_today = conn.execute(
             "SELECT COUNT(*) FROM users WHERE DATE(created_at)=DATE('now')"
         ).fetchone()[0]
-        upgrades_pending = conn.execute(
-            "SELECT COUNT(*) FROM upgrade_requests WHERE fulfilled_at IS NULL"
-        ).fetchone()[0]
+        try:
+            upgrades_pending = conn.execute(
+                "SELECT COUNT(*) FROM upgrade_requests WHERE fulfilled_at IS NULL"
+            ).fetchone()[0]
+        except Exception:
+            upgrades_pending = 0
     return {
         "jobs_pending":       jobs,
         "breeder_pending":    breeders,