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 FELINE DIABETES 

How can you know whether your cat has diabetes?? Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed by a trained veterinarian, and this finding is based on laboratory test results, clinical signs and physical symptoms of your cat, and the persistent presence of sugar in the cat's urine and blood that is abnormally high.

Which cats are in the highest risk category for developing feline diabetes?? This disease can strike cats of any breed, either sex, and any age. However, overweight cats and older cats are considered to be at a higher risk for developing diabetes, and male cats seem more prone to becoming diabetic than female cats. Pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalances, and genetic factors (and even certain medications) all may play a role in the development of this disease. There is much that still is not understood about the disease, but current research and studies are providing more information and answers all the time.

What exactly is "Diabetes Mellitus"?? 'Diabetes Mellitus' is a disorder of the endocrine system which is very complex and, unfortunately, is very common in cats and humans. Type 1 Diabetes is caused by the pancreas being unable to produce an adequate amount of the hormone insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is caused by the lack of response of the body's cells to insulin. By not being able to utilize glucose (sugar) properly in their bodies, diabetic cats ultimately develop hyperglycemia, which is high levels of sugar in the blood, leading progressively to the spilling over of the excess sugar into the urine (called glucosuria). The sugar in the urine leads to the cat needing to urinate excessively and consequentially, having a very high level of thirst. Dehydration occurs, as does weight loss, even though the cat may still have a healthy appetite.

What are the physical symptoms of Feline Diabetes?? Excessive urination, excessive thirst, an increase in appetite which is accompanied by marked weight loss are all strong signs of feline diabetes. Often, the cat may remain active and alert in the early stages of the disease; however, after time, poor skin tone and dull coat, liver disease, and even secondary bacterial infections can become more common. Vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness and dehydration are all metabolic disturbances that can be attributed to diabetes.

How can I most effectively treat and best care for my diabetic cat?? The good news is that feline diabetes CAN be treated, and many cats with this disease go on to live long, healthy lives…but they need your committed help to do it. Working with your veterinarian, you may need to give your cats insulin injections under the skin once or twice daily. The proper dose, type and frequency of insulin must be individually determined for your cat by your veterinarian. Too little or too much insulin both have potentially dangerous complications. Some cats respond well to an oral medication called "Glipizide" which acts by lowering glucose in the blood. Some cats do have unwanted side effects to this medication, but this is not very common. If your diabetic cat is overweight, a careful high fiber, high complex carbohydrate diet will be important for this cat, to help slowly lose weight, and to accurately monitor blood glucose levels after eating.

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