12/Jul/2009
Is My Cat Diabetic?
By Dr. Tony LoBue
Crossroads Animal Hospital
Feline diabetes results from the pancreas’ inability to produce adequate amounts of insulin, a hormone that is especially important for metabolizing carbohydrates.
When food is digested, it is broken down into basics such as sugars and amino acids, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Insulin is needed for transporting many basic food substances, particularly sugar or glucose, into the body cells. The body then uses this sugar for energy, growth and repair.
Diabetes is one of the most common hormonal imbalances in cats, affecting one in every 400 felines. Most of these cats are more than seven years old and male. Also, overweight cats are much more likely to be afflicted.
Accumulating Glucose
The chief signs of diabetes are increased drinking, increased urination and weight loss. These symptoms occur because of improper glucose accumulation in the bloodstream.
For example, sugar is used in the body to open cell “gates” so that glucose can move from the bloodstream into tissue cells where it is needed in areas like muscle. Without enough insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream. This glucose is lost in urine because it cannot move into the tissues. Body water is also lost in urine.
Consequently, diabetic cats produce a large volume of urine. This, in turn, causes changes in urinary habits. Diabetic cats urinate more frequently to drain the body of excess glucose. They may also begin to urinate outside the litter box and have a noticeable increase in thirst.
Finally, although blood-glucose levels are excessively high in diabetic cats, their tissues are starving for energy because glucose cannot get into their cells. As a result, diabetic cats usually lose weight.
Managing Diabetes
Diet plays an important role in managing the diabetic state. Purina DM is a prescription diet recommended for diabetic cats, prescribed by your veterinarian. The DM food is low in carbohydrates and high in protein (research has shown a direct link between high carbohydrate diets and increased risk of feline diabetes). Low carbohydrates are a natural way to reduce insulin entering the bloodstream.
The majority of feline diabetics also receive insulin injections. Some are given oral hyperglycemics (oral blood-glucose lowering drugs), but only 40 percent of cats respond to these drugs. Therefore, the majority of veterinarians believe insulin injections are the best choice for most cats.
There are several types of insulin available. Seventy five percent of cats require twice-daily injections, usually in 12-hour intervals. The rest need only one shot per day.
Glucose Tests
When determining a cat’s insulin regimen, the veterinarian will perform glucose tests many times a day in order to create a glucose curve. In the beginning, your cat may need to be hospitalized for a couple of days so the insulin can be regulated.
Monitoring your diabetic cat is a joint effort between you and your veterinarian. Because your cat’s insulin requirements may change over time, periodic checking of blood glucose levels is essential.
There is no cure for diabetes, but with proper management, your feline friend can live a happy life for many years.
By Dr. Tony LoBue
Crossroads Animal Hospital
Feline diabetes results from the pancreas’ inability to produce adequate amounts of insulin, a hormone that is especially important for metabolizing carbohydrates.
When food is digested, it is broken down into basics such as sugars and amino acids, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Insulin is needed for transporting many basic food substances, particularly sugar or glucose, into the body cells. The body then uses this sugar for energy, growth and repair.
Diabetes is one of the most common hormonal imbalances in cats, affecting one in every 400 felines. Most of these cats are more than seven years old and male. Also, overweight cats are much more likely to be afflicted.
Accumulating Glucose
The chief signs of diabetes are increased drinking, increased urination and weight loss. These symptoms occur because of improper glucose accumulation in the bloodstream.
For example, sugar is used in the body to open cell “gates” so that glucose can move from the bloodstream into tissue cells where it is needed in areas like muscle. Without enough insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream. This glucose is lost in urine because it cannot move into the tissues. Body water is also lost in urine.
Consequently, diabetic cats produce a large volume of urine. This, in turn, causes changes in urinary habits. Diabetic cats urinate more frequently to drain the body of excess glucose. They may also begin to urinate outside the litter box and have a noticeable increase in thirst.
Finally, although blood-glucose levels are excessively high in diabetic cats, their tissues are starving for energy because glucose cannot get into their cells. As a result, diabetic cats usually lose weight.
Managing Diabetes
Diet plays an important role in managing the diabetic state. Purina DM is a prescription diet recommended for diabetic cats, prescribed by your veterinarian. The DM food is low in carbohydrates and high in protein (research has shown a direct link between high carbohydrate diets and increased risk of feline diabetes). Low carbohydrates are a natural way to reduce insulin entering the bloodstream.
The majority of feline diabetics also receive insulin injections. Some are given oral hyperglycemics (oral blood-glucose lowering drugs), but only 40 percent of cats respond to these drugs. Therefore, the majority of veterinarians believe insulin injections are the best choice for most cats.
There are several types of insulin available. Seventy five percent of cats require twice-daily injections, usually in 12-hour intervals. The rest need only one shot per day.
Glucose Tests
When determining a cat’s insulin regimen, the veterinarian will perform glucose tests many times a day in order to create a glucose curve. In the beginning, your cat may need to be hospitalized for a couple of days so the insulin can be regulated.
Monitoring your diabetic cat is a joint effort between you and your veterinarian. Because your cat’s insulin requirements may change over time, periodic checking of blood glucose levels is essential.
There is no cure for diabetes, but with proper management, your feline friend can live a happy life for many years.
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