Feline diabetes?

Oh, boy... you've done it now! I hear a soapbox rattling! Pull up a chair, get a cup of coffee and read on:

Feline diabetes is very common. As pets age, they become more prone to diseases that we see in older humans, such as diabetes, cancers, endocrine disorders, etc.

In cats, most cases begin to show themselves as the cat begins to drink more water and urinate more frequently. These are the signs that tip an owner off to a problem. Often, the cat is overweight, though a significant number are normal or even slightly underweight.

Diabetes is a condition where the body either is unable to process glucose yet still makes insulin, or the body produces no insulin or an insufficient amount. There are two types of diabetes. In cats, the most common type is diabetes mellitus, or "sugar diabetes".

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, in special cells called the Islets of Langerhans (hence the name Insulin). Insulin is responsible for regulating glucose metabolism.

As in humans, there are different "degrees" of diabetes. Some cats may only be mildly affected, while other cases are more serious-- actually, show more serious symptoms. Diabetes, if not properly controlled is a serious, chronic illness that can lead to other problems. Diabetic cats can develop complications, such as nerve pains (neuropathy), retinal problems including detachment, blindmess, and liver and kidney problems. Urinary infections are common, as the sugars secreted in the urine are rather irritating.

Diabetes is diagnosed with blood and urine tests. One test is the glucose curve, where the cat is tested several times throughout the day, and the readings are compared. Normal glucose levels in cats are similar to those in people-- ranging from about 70 to 110 under calm conditions. However, cats are often stressed when they come to the clinic for testing, and this stress usually causes a transient, sometimes significant rise in glucose levels. Hence, many vets don't diagnose diabetes until the levels are at least 1.5 to 2 times the high-normal values on more than one test. If the levels are much above double on a single test, the diagnosis is more likely. If the levels are way above that, even on a single test, then diabetes is pretty much certain.

If there is glucose in the urine (glucosuria), the diabetes is confirmed, even with a modest rise in serum levels. The doctor will then possibly run another blood test, this one to test fructosamine levels. This test gives an idea of how long the levels have been up. A low reading typically confirms a short-term elevation, and either early diabetes or a stress rise. Fructosamine levels in addition to the glucose may also be checked at different points during tratment to ensure that the diabetes is being adequately controlled.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the vet will begin a treatment plan. Sometimes, the cat can be controlled with a special diet, such as Purina DM or Hill's w/d or m/d foods. Other times, the cat will need to take twice-daily insulin shots along with the diet. Insulin is actually pretty easy to give at home. The veterinary staff will teach the owners how to give the shots, store insulin, and what to watch for at home. They will also teach how to deal with some common problems at home, and when to bring the cat back if a problem is serious. Some vets are also beginning to prescribe diabetes medicines. This is a fairly new way of managing diabetes in cats, and the jury is still out. So far, most cats are better controlled with insulin.

The cat will also need to have its glucose checked periodically to be sure that the insulin dose is correct and keeping the diabetes under control. The insulin dose might need to be adjusted.

Some cats, for reasons that we don't fully understand, can sometimes "overcome" diabetes. Some cats that had been on insulin for months or years sometimes normalize and can be managed on diet and weight control. However, these cats should continue to have their blood tested to make sure it stays normal.

Diabetes is a common problem, but one that can usually be managed. You, your cat and your veterinary staff need to work together, but cats can live for many years with it.

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Feline diabetes?

What do you know about diabetes in cats?

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I have a female 11-year-old cat with diabetes. She gets 2 units injected daily, and must have special food. She LOVES canned tuna. She's doing fine...two years after being diagnosed.

i know thats it possible for them to get it and its important to treat.