Diabetes is Manageable

A confirmed diagnosis of diabetes can be overwhelming at first, but your veterinary clinic and the resources provided here are a big part of helping you successfully manage your cat’s health.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus occurs when a cat’s body produces too little insulin, stops producing completely, or can’t utilize it properly. The condition affects the concentration of glucose, or sugar, in the cat’s blood.

When your cat eats, carbohydrates are converted into several types of simple sugars, including glucose. Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the blood, where it travels to cells throughout the body. Inside cells, insulin helps turn glucose into fuel. If there’s too little insulin available, glucose can’t enter cells and can build up to a high concentration in the bloodstream. As a result, a cat with diabetes may want to eat constantly but will appear malnourished because its cells can’t absorb glucose.

Is diabetes in my cat the same as diabetes in people?

Diabetes in cats does resemble diabetes in humans. In fact, your veterinarian will be using medication, equipment, and monitoring systems for your pet that are similar to those used for people with diabetes.

How common is diabetes in dogs and cats?

Diabetes usually affects less than 1% of dogs and cats.

Can diabetes lead to other health problems?

Yes. Cats with diabetes can develop other health problems.

Weakness of the hind legs is a common complication for cats. Persistently high blood glucose levels may also damage nerves, causing weakness and muscle wasting.

Controlling high blood glucose levels can lead to healthier outcomes for your cat. This is why early diagnosis of diabetes is important.

Diagnosis and Detection of Diabetes in Cats

Will diabetes affect my cat’s life expectancy?

With effective treatment and monitoring, your cat with diabetes should have the same life expectancy as a pet without diabetes of the same age. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help pets with diabetes maintain a good quality of life.

Is my cat at risk for diabetes?

Although diabetes has been diagnosed in all ages, genders and breeds of cats and dogs, certain pets are at greater risk.

Risk factors in cats

Obesity
Age (older cats are more susceptible)
Neutered males
Genetics
Other insulin-resistant disorders or diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or hyperthyroidism (overproduction of thyroid hormones)
Physical inactivity
Indoor lifestyle

Are there warning signs I should be aware of?

Some common signs of diabetes in cats include:

Excessive thirst
Excessive urination—your pet produces more urine per day or has “accidents” outside the litterbox
Excessive hunger while losing weight
Lethargy (less active/sleeps more)
Doesn’t groom (cats)
Thinning, dry and dull fur

How do I take care of my cat with diabetes?

Although there is no cure for diabetes, it can be successfully managed with the help of your veterinarian.

Daily insulin injections are usually required to restore your pet’s insulin level and control blood glucose levels. Many cat owners are anxious about giving their pet injections at first, but it can be simpler than you think. With help from your veterinarian, you can quickly learn how to handle the dosing routine with little stress for you or your cat.

Diet also plays a vital role in helping to keep your cat’s diabetes regulated. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that is best for the needs of your pet. A high-quality, consistent source of protein is an essential part of any diabetic diet. High-protein, low-carbohydrate foods are currently recommended for diabetic cats because they provide the extra energy cats need to get through their active days, without the extra carbs that can turn into excess sugar. It is important to feed your pet based on its ideal body weight. Consistent timing and size of meals is also very important.

Regular veterinary checkups are necessary for monitoring potential changes in your pet’s condition. Careful monitoring helps to successfully manage this disease over time.

Managing your cat’s diabetes will require some effort, but the rewards are well worth it. When your cat’s diabetes is under control he can have normal thirst, appetite, urination, and activity levels. Their weight is generally stable and they are less likely to develop complications. With proper care, it is also possible to reduce or eliminate insulin treatment in a cat.

Commonly Heard Terms Associated with Diabetes in Pets

Some words used to describe pet diabetes may be confusing.

Here is a list of terms you may want to get familiar with and can help:

Endocrine

Relating to glands that release hormones directly (without a duct) into the bloodstream or lymph system.

Fructosamine

Formed by the combination of breakdown products of glucose and protein. It is elevated when blood glucose concentration has been higher than normal. Fructosamine concentration reflects blood glucose concentration over the preceding few weeks.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is the major source of energy for many organisms.

Hyperthyroidism

A common condition of older cats that has characteristic clinical signs related to the overproduction of thyroid hormones. This condition can also be present in pets with diabetes mellitus.

Insulin

A peptide hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream.

Ketones

Acids that appear in excess in blood and urine when there is an insulin shortage and the body is using fat instead of glucose for energy. High ketone concentrations in the blood can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Clinical signs of DKA include vomiting, fruity breath odor, and rapid breathing. Untreated DKA can lead to coma and death.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces insulin and enzymes for digestion. The pancreas is located behind the lower part of the stomach. Pancreatitis can lead to the development of diabetes.

Diabetes in Cats: Symptoms & Treatment