Like other pets, cats can sometimes get sick. There are several different types of ailments that cats can get, one of which is feline diabetes.  Feline diabetes is a serious disease, although it can be treated by a veterinarian.

Diabetes is more common with humans than with cats or other animals. The cause of diabetes is actually quite simple.  Sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood.  The level of blood sugar in the body or the animal is kept under control by hormone insulin, which the pancreas produces.  When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, diabetes is to blame.

The symptoms of feline diabetes and the most common symptoms include:

• An increase in urine and an increase in thirst, you can easily notice the water dish empty throughout the day
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss due to the body’s inability to handle glucose
• Poor skin and coat condition
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Breathing abnormalities
• Dehydration

How is feline diabetes diagnosed and treatments?

Cats presenting with the above symptoms will be tested both for blood sugar levels and levels of sugar in the urine. The reason for both tests is that stressed cats (as is typical in the veterinary office) may have temporary increases of the blood glucose level.

They are several ways of treating feline diabetes.

• Diet and Weight Control - A diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates is recommended for obese diabetic cats, not only for the purpose of weight reduction, but to help control blood glucose levels. Your veterinarian can recommend the best form of diet for your cat, taking into consideration any other physical problems. Stretching out feeding into several small meals instead of just one or two big ones will also help in regulating blood levels.
• Insulin by injection - Ideally, your veterinarian will conduct an 18-24 hour blood glucose profile to determine the amount and frequency of insulin injections. This test is done in hospital, and consists of injections of insulin followed by close monitoring of the blood glucose values.
• Oral medications - A diabetic cat in otherwise good health may be treated successfully using an oral hypoglycemic medication.
• Careful monitoring of glucose and insulin levels - An overdose of insulin can create hypoglycemia, a potentially fatal condition. Symptoms are lethargy, weakness, followed by in coordination, convulsions, and coma.
• Nutrient and Botanical Supplements - Vanadium shows promise as an adjunct to regulate blood insulin, and antioxidants help to relieve oxidative stress on tissues. However, natural supplements may have negative side effects, and should be used only under supervision of a veterinarian familiar with their uses.

Your cat will need regular blood glucose checks to ensure it is properly regulated. Your pet will need insulin for the rest of its life, sometimes cats will go into remission but will need to continue to be closely monitored at home. This does not mean you do not get to have a life outside of your pets diabetes but you will definitely need a schedule.

It helps if there is only one caretaker per household other wise it may get confusing as to who gave the insulin, also a lot of families mark on a piece of notebook paper or a calendar when they give the injection so they know whether or not they gave it. Sadly this disease is deadly if left untreated.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, nor a feline health professional. Your veterinarian should always be your first and foremost resource for health treatment for your cat. This article is meant only to give you a basic understanding of feline diabetes.

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