DIABETES MELLITUS IN CATS
WHAT IS DIABETES MELLITUS?
Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which there is an excessive quantity of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is caused by a deficiency of the hormone, insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas, or a resistance to the action of insulin. Insulin resistance can be caused by certain drugs, obesity and some other medical conditions. Diabetes mellitus is an uncommon disease in cats, but is seen more frequently in middle-aged and older cats.
WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS OF DIABETES MELLITUS?
The most common signs are excessive drinking, increased urination and weight loss. An increased appetite may be seen. Some cats prefer to drink from ponds and puddles, so it may not be noticed that they are drinking more.
HOW IS DIABETES MELLITUS DIAGNOSED?
Any predisposing drugs should be withdrawn, and other medical conditions diagnosed and treated. The majority of diabetic cats will require treatment with insulin injections. Very small needles are used for the injections, which cause no pain to the cat, and quickly become very simple for owners to use. Some cats may be able to come off insulin once a predisposing cause has been eliminated or if they go into “remission”.
In most cases, cats will require insulin injections twice daily and feeding twice daily of two equal meals. Initially, hospitalisation may be required to assess the response to insulin and work out the appropriate dose. A few weeks after the cat has gone home, the response will be checked again and the insulin dose may need to be adjusted. Several adjustments may be required and each time the cat must stabilise on the new dose before any further adjustments are made, so the whole stabilisation process may take a few months. The dose of insulin should not be changed, unless recommended by the veterinarian.
DO DIABETIC CATS NEED TO BE MONITORED?
Yes, diabetic cats must be monitored long term to ensure the treatment is working and to determine if any adjustments to the dose of insulin are needed. Owners should take note of the cat’s food and water intake, body weight and general well being. The veterinarian will do repeat blood tests at regular intervals to assess how well the blood glucose levels are controlled.
WHAT IS HYPOGLYCAEMIA?
Hypoglycaemia is a blood glucose level which is too low. It occurs if a cat receives too much insulin. The signs of dangerously low blood glucose are weakness, lethargy, shaking, unsteadiness and convulsions. If any of these signs are seen, the cat should be given a glucose or sugar solution by mouth and veterinary advice sought immediately. It is best to keep some glucose solution in the refrigerator in case of emergencies.
WHAT SORT OF FOOD SHOULD DIABETIC CATS BE FED?
Usually, diabetic cats will be fed twice daily with two equal meals. However, cats do not get high blood sugar after eating so strict meal times are not always essential and cats that like to pick at food throughout the day will not be disadvantaged. Cats that are overweight at the time of diagnosis of diabetes should lose weight and low fat and/or high fibre diets may be recommended for this. Cat that are of normal weight or underweight will often be fed normal cat foods. There are also special diets now made for diabetic cats. Your vet will advise you on what diet is best for your cat.
Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in cats requires a big commitment from the owner and a stable daily routine. However, it can be very successfully managed and owners find the treatment very rewarding.