DIABETES IN CATS

Feline diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine disorder that affects the bodys ability to regulate blood glucose levels. It develops through either the decreased production of insulin from the pancreas or the decreased response of cells within the body to insulin. Cells rely on insulin as a key regulator to move glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells for utilization as energy.

Blood glucose becomes elevated when there is either a lack of sufficient insulin production or a decrease in cellular responsiveness to insulin. Elevated blood glucose creates a multitude of health complications. Diabetes is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders of cats, commonly identified in adult cats. Early detection and management can lead to a high quality life for many diabetic cats and, in some instances, diabetic remission.

Causes

There are multiple reasons why diabetes develops. Diabetes develops when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin. In contrast to dogs, diabetic cats predominantly experience a type 2 diabetes like condition, where insulin insensitivity plays a greater role.

Obesity is considered to be one of the most prominent risk factors for feline diabetes. Fat accumulation in excess can make the body less sensitive to insulin, which complicates maintaining a stable blood glucose level.

Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle, increasing age and certain medications, especially extended use of corticosteroids, may increase the likelihood of developing feline diabetes. Chronic pancreatitis, endocrine disorders and genetic predispositions are other potential contributing causes of feline diabetes. Males and non active obese housecats have the highest propensity to develop diabetes.

Symptoms

Feline diabetes typically develops slowly. Clinical signs associated with feline diabetes are very similar to those associated with aging.

Common Symptoms

• Polydipsia (increased thirst)
• Polyuria (frequent urination)
• Polyphagia (increased food intake)
• Weight loss despite an increased appetite
• Sedentary behavior

Advanced Symptoms

In addition to these clinical signs, other signs associated with advanced disease development may occur, such as:

• Muscle weakness, particularly in the hind limbs
• Difficulty walking
• Poor coat condition
• Lack of interest in activities
• Vomiting in extreme cases
• Decrease in food consumption as the disease progresses.

Risks

When you don’t treat your pet’s diabetes, it can cause serious problems with many different body systems.

Persistently high blood glucose levels can damage many organs and body systems in cats. Your cat’s risk of getting infections will be higher than normal. Diabetic cats are more prone to urinary tract infections.

Possible Consequences

• Diabetic neuropathy (nerves damaged)
• UTIs recur frequently
• Liver disease
• Dehydration
• Your cat loses weight and muscle mass
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a potentially lethal crisis in which your cat has begun using excessive amounts of fats for energy instead of carbohydrates because of an imbalance of metabolic functions.

Diagnosis

Vets use several methods to diagnose diabetes, including lab tests, urine tests and physical examination findings.

Lab tests usually reveal increased blood glucose levels, while urine tests show abnormal amounts of glucose in your cat’s urine. Due to the fact that some cats can exhibit temporary increases in their blood sugar due to stress, vets may recommend additional diagnostic testing to confirm the cat’s diagnosis.

Diagnostic Tests

• Measuring glucose in your cat’s blood
• Sampling your cat’s urine
• Measuring Fructosamine levels to check if your cat’s glucose level is under good control over time.
• A Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Biochemistry Profile to provide information about your cat’s general health status.

Your vet may recommend other tests depending on what they think would best aid them in identifying the underlying reasons why your cat is diabetic, so that they can develop a proper treatment plan.

Treatment

The goal of treating diabetes is to maintain your cat’s blood sugar levels within a safe range. Treatments include reducing symptoms associated with diabetes and preventing serious complications.

Insulin Therapy

Most diabetic cats need to receive injections of insulin every 12 hours to assist in lowering their blood glucose levels. The type and amount of insulin administered will depend upon your cat’s specific requirements. Vets instruct owners on the correct technique to administer insulin injections at home.

Nutritional Management

Dietary factors contribute significantly to managing diabetes. Many diabetic cats benefit from eating diets containing low carbohydrate levels and high protein content, which aids in stabilizing their blood glucose levels and assists with maintaining an ideal body weight.

Monitoring

Regular veterinary monitoring is essential. This will allow your veterinarian to find out if your cat’s treatment options are working properly. You should also check your cat’s appetite, thirst, body weight and general behavior regularly.

Prevention

While it’s impossible to prevent every single case of diabetes, you’ll have a better chance of reducing your cats risk by being mindful of their overall health.

Keeping your cat at an ideal weight is extremely important. It has been shown that obesity is the greatest risk factor for developing diabetes in cats. In addition to maintaining your cat at an optimal weight, Routine veterinary checkups will allow you to catch any early metabolic changes while they are still easily treatable and before serious complications occur.