Feline Diabetes

DIABETES IN THE CAT

Diabetes mellitus (“sugar diabetes”) is a disease in which the level of sugar in the blood rises above normal and a number of other problems occur because of the high blood sugar.

CAUSE: Diabetes is NOT caused by the cat eating too many sweets, but because the body cannot produce or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas, and it provides energy to body cells by carrying glucose (a type of sugar) from the bloodstream into the cell where it can be used to fuel the cell’s activity. There are two forms of diabetes: Type I diabetes occurs when the pancreas loses the ability to produce insulin. In Type II diabetes insulin is produced, but the cells become resistant to the insulin so that it cannot work. Very large or obese cats are particularly prone to Type II diabetes, and weight loss may resolve these cat’s diabetic symptoms.

SYMPTOMS: The classic signs of diabetes are increased thirst and weight loss with a good appetite. These signs are often not obvious in diabetic cats, and many feline diabetics simply act like they are weak or not feeling well. Occasionally they will be weak in the rear legs as the small nerves deteriorate.

DIAGNOSIS: Urine tests will reveal sugar in the urine, and blood tests will confirm that the blood sugar is high. Other tests will help determine if other complications (such as liver problems or urinary infections) are present.

TREATING DIABETES: In most cats, insulin injections are necessary at first until the diabetes is under control. Although this sounds intimidating, the injections are given just under the skin of the neck with a very small needle, and most cats do not object at all. The most important aspect of treating diabetes is to be consistent. Many cats stop needing insulin if they lose weight and control their diet.

INSULIN TREATMENT: To begin, a moderate dose of insulin is chosen. The dose is periodically adjusted based on how the cat is doing and follow-up blood sugar tests. The ideal goal is to keep the cat’s blood sugar below 200 (normal is 80 to 120). Your veterinarian will help you plan how frequently the blood sugar should be checked.

It is very important to avoid low blood sugar! If too much insulin is given, or if the cat is not eating enough food to provide adequate blood sugar levels, the blood sugar will drop too low and the cat will act weak, wobbly, and disoriented. This is an emergency, and the cat should be given 1/2 teaspoon of Karo corn syrup (pure glucose) orally every 10 minutes until the symptoms disappear, and then should be encouraged to eat a high protein meal as soon as possible. The next dose of insulin should be decreased so that this does not occur.

TYPES OF INSULIN: Insulin and syringes can be obtained at a pharmacy. Initially, your veterinarian will write a prescription to make sure that you get the right type of insulin. The various types include fast acting and long acting, “human” insulin or insulin from beef or pork sources. Each acts a little different, and you should not switch between types of insulin unless your veterinarian recommends it. Insulin must be refrigerated. The insulin crystals tend to settle in the bottom of the bottle, so it is very important to gently (do not shake!) mix the solution up by gently rocking the bottle back and forth at least a dozen times before drawing the insulin into the syringe.

DIET: The control of diabetes is strongly influenced by the food. The cat should be fed at the same time as the insulin is given, in order to give the insulin food to work on. Recommended diet is canned food only, fed in two separate meals. Several prescription diets are available from your veterinarian, and canned kitten food (which is very high in protein and low in carbohydrates) can also be used successfully.

EXERCISE: Regular moderate exercise is of benefit to diabetics. Your cat can be encouraged to engage in activities such as chasing toys or walking around the yard with you.

DIABETIC CATS COMMONLY GO INTO REMISSION and stop needing insulin if they lose their excess weight and eat a low-carb/high protein diet. When your cat stops needing insulin, it may experience low blood sugar symptoms, so owners should pay close attention so that severe low blood sugar doesn't develop.