Diabetes in Cats: How to Identify It and How to Treat It

Diabetes in cats

Lately, you’ve noticed your cat is hungry all the time, yet it has lost weight. In addition, your cat is constantly drinking water like there’s no tomorrow and urinating excessively. These could be signs that your cat is suffering from diabetes especially if you have an older male cat who is obese.

What is diabetes in cats? Also known as diabetes mellitus or feline diabetes, diabetes in cats is when your cat’s pancreas does not produce insulin, or it does not use insulin properly. Insulin is used to regulate the flow of glucose, a primary source of energy, from the bloodstream into the body’s cells. If your cat’s body cannot properly produce sufficient levels of insulin, it will seek stored protein and fat for energy. Also, your cat will have an excessive amount of glucose in its bloodstream which will be eliminated in the urine.

Are there various types of diabetes in cats? According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners and Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, “Diabetes mellitus is generally divided into two different types in cats: insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Approximately one-half to three-quarters of diabetic cats have and thus require insulin injections as soon as the disease is diagnosed. The rest have NIDDM; however, most ultimately require insulin injections to control their disease.”*

What are the risks of diabetes in cats? If not properly addressed, diabetes can significantly reduce your cat’s life expectancy. A diabetic cat will develop ketoacidosis which is a fatal disorder. A cat with ketoacidosis will exhibit the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, appear lethargic and weak, and have difficulty breathing. An unhealthy coat and skin and the development of liver disease are ailments common to cats with diabetes.

How is diabetes in cats diagnosed? If you notice your cat is showing signs of dehydration and excessive weight loss while drinking and eating excessively, take it to a veterinarian right away. Explain to the veterinarian the symptoms you have observed. Your veterinarian will most likely perform a complete physical exam of your cat. He or she will also conduct blood and urine tests to determine your cat’s blood sugar levels.

How is diabetes in cats treated? Once your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, treatment should begin at once. Depending on the severity of your cat’s diabetes, the three most common ways of treating diabetes are diet, oral hypoglycemic medications and insulin.

  1. Change in Diet for Cats with Diabetes – if your cat is obese, a diet rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates is recommended. This type of diet can help your cat lose weight help control its blood sugar levels after eating. However, some cats with diabetes will respond better to a diet low in carbohydrates. You may have to experiment a little before you find the right food for your diabetic cat.
  2. Oral Hypoglycemic Medications for Cats with Diabetes – formulated to lower your cat’s blood sugar levels, oral hypoglycemic medications such as glipizide are very effective in treating healthy diabetic cats. The use of at-home glucose monitoring devices is highly recommended since testing at a veterinary hospital can be time-consuming and costly.
  3. Insulin Injections for Cats with Diabetes – Chances are if your cat has diabetes it will require insulin shots at some point. Insulin shots can be given at home. Your veterinarian will instruct you on how to administer the injections. Given under the skin (or subcutaneous), insulin injections are give twice a day typically. Your veterinarian will determine the proper dosages. Blood glucose monitoring will be required to ensure your cat maintains the proper glucose levels.

Will a cat be able to overcome diabetes? In cases where the cat cannot produce its own insulin, it will not. If the diabetes is caused due to obesity, chances are its insulin levels will return to normal once the cat’s weight is under control.

In conclusion, cats typically suffer from two types of diabetes: insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Symptoms of diabetes include: an increase in appetite and weight loss, an almost unquenchable thirst along with excessive urination. If your cat’s veterinarian has concluded that your cat does have diabetes, he or she will recommend one or more of the following treatments: change in diet, oral hypoglycemic medications and/or insulin injections. A diabetic cat can live a long life provided it receives the proper medical attention.

Do you have a diabetic cat? If yes, which treatment worked best for your diabetic cat?

Please share in the comments section.

 

*Feline Diabetes. (2002) https://www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_information/brochure_diabetes.cfm Accessed on July 6, 2016.

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