WHAT IS DIABETES?: Diabetes is the inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar, or glucose, levels . Left untreated, it can lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, severe depression, problems with motor function, coma and even death.

In Type I diabetes, glucose concentrations are high because of a decrease in the production of insulin. In Type II diabetes, glucose levels are high because cells in the body do not respond appropriately to insulin. Cats with diabetes most commonly suffer from the Type II form of the disease. Between 0.2 and 1 percent of cats in the general population are believed to suffer from diabetes.

SYMPTOMS: The main symptoms are increased thirst and increased urination. It’s more common in obese cats, although plenty of cats at healthy weights can come down with it too. Some cats with diabetes have a ravenous appetite because their bodies cannot use the fuel supplied in their diet. High levels of glucose in the blood can cause the body to excrete excessive amounts of glucose in the urine (since urine is made by the kidneys, filtering the blood). This high urine glucose concentration can actually pull excessive amounts of water into the urine, resulting in increased urine volume, increased urinary water loss, a propensity for dehydration and a compensatory increase in thirst.

Weight loss is an important sign of diabetes in cats. In both Type I and Type II diabetes, the cells in the body are unable to absorb glucose from the blood and become starved of energy. To get the energy it needs, the body turns to other sources, breaking down fats and proteins to feed glucose-starved cells. This breakdown results in weight loss, despite increased appetite.

In rare cases of uncontrolled diabetes, cats may experience damage to the nerves in the hind limbs, resulting in a “plantegrade” stance of the hind limbs (walking or standing “down in the hocks”).

RISK FACTORS INCLUDE: obesity, increasing age, physical inactivity, male gender, neutering and glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy. In addition, the Burmese breed has been reported to be at higher risk of developing diabetes.

DIAGNOSIS: Blood tests are usually done by your vet to determine if your cat has diabetes or something else.

TREATMENTS: Insulin injections are key. Insulin has different effects on the ups and downs of blood glucose. Ideally, your veterinarian will perform a 12-24 hour glucose curve, during which insulin is administered intermittently and blood glucose is checked to establish the type of insulin and dosing frequency that best controls blood glucose while avoiding inappropriately low blood glucose levels. You never want to just "guess" or "wing it." This can lead to emergency room visits or even death. Your vet will show you the best ways to test sugar levels and inject insulin.

Diet is a large factor. Many vets agree a low-carbohydrate diet is best for cats with diabetes. You can read the labels of cat food or even search the internet to determine which foods are lower in carbs. Your vet can recommend and even prescribe appropriate foods as well.

Restoring normal blood glucose concentration, minimizing or eliminating weight loss, minimizing or eliminating signs of increased thirst and urination, normalizing the appetite and avoiding inappropriately low blood glucose levels are the main goals of any diabetic treatment plan.

CURING FELINE DIABETES: Unfortunately, there is no cure at this time. With some cats, once you start treating their diabetes and get their blood sugar under control, along with a reasonable diet and the body at appropriate weight levels, the diabetes goes into remission or partial remission. There are cats that stay that way for many months, some even years. For the most part diabetes is a disease that is managed, not cured.

PREVENTION: There are some commonly held beliefs that support the use of low-carbohydrate diets, obesity is a risk factor and the use of steriod therapy (for other issues) can trigger it; however, some cats are just prone to get it and certain breeds tend to get it more than others.

While there is no cure for feline diabetes, this disease can usually be managed fairly well with appropriate education and support of owners. Cats with well-controlled diabetes can live many years of high quality life. Some cats may lose their need for insulin treatments (remission), but even in these cases it is recommended that owners continue to monitor for the recurrence of clinical signs of diabetes and keep the cat on a low carbohydrate diet.

DO DIABETIC CATS HAVE SHORTER LIFESPANS?: If it’s poorly controlled you can get into some pretty severe emergency situations, but vets report that they see lots of diabetic cats, that are older, whose diabetes is managed for many years and they can age into their late teens. It requires a lifelong, daily commitment, but it’s something that can be done.

COSTS: Most clients probably spend about $20-$30 a month on insulin, syringes and other supplies. It’s not terribly expensive once it’s being managed.

**Local vets have said to be careful when allowing cats to have steroid injections. Too many/too frequently given steroid injections can sometimes trigger Diabetes in cats.**

Info obtained from:

https://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/feline-diabetes-symptoms-treatments-prevention-diet#1

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-diabetes