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The goal in treating diabetes is to control the
blood glucose levels. For all cases diet is the
number one factor to be addressed. A specifically
formulated diabetic diet is usually prescribed by
the vet along with strict feeding guidelines. In
some mild cases diabetes can be controlled with
diet only. Most cases of feline diabetes will also
require the administration of insulin twice daily
via injection under the skin. This is something
that most owners are able to do from home once
shown how by a vet.
Regular and careful monitoring of the cat's
blood glucose levels will also be required. This is
particularly important in the early days while trying
to determine the correct balance and to ensure
that blood glucose levels do not become too high
or too low. Blood glucose testing can be done
at home with a blood glucose monitor and just a
prick to the cat to obtain a small drop of blood.
This may need to be done twice daily until the
levels stabilize and the treatment plan is working.
Your vet may also want to do regular urine tests to
check for ketones and glucose.
With treatment and management some cats can
go into remission, which is when they no longer
require insulin to control diabetic symptoms.
This usually only happens within the first few
months of diabetic onset but unfortunately many
cats will at some point come out of remission so
they do still need to be monitored closely.
It is important to remember that diabetes is not a
death sentence. With commitment from an owner
and working with a veterinarian a cat can go on to
reach a normal life expectancy.
Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine
(hormonal) disorder in cats characterised by
persistent high blood glucose levels. Blood
glucose levels are controlled by insulin but if the
pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin
to balance the blood glucose, or if there is a
resistance to insulin or lack of response to insulin,
the blood glucose levels become elevated
resulting in diabetes.
Diabetes usually has a gradual onset of weeks to
months before being diagnosed however many
cats will go undiagnosed. It is more common in
middle aged to senior cats but it can occasionally
affect younger animals. Cats that are overweight
and certain breeds such as Burmese are more
genetically predisposed to the disease. Signs
and symptoms of diabetes mellitus in cats that
all owners should be aware of include;
· Excessive or increased drinking
· Increased urination
· Weight loss
· Dull, dry or poor coat
· Muscle wastage
· Vomiting
· Hind leg weakness, problems walking/jumping.
Diabetes needs to be diagnosed by a veterinarian
with early intervention always best. The earlier
a diagnosis is made the easier it is to get the
condition under control. To diagnose diabetes
a veterinarian will look for signs and confirm a
diagnosis using blood and urine tests.
Diabetes in Cats: Symptoms & Management
