Diabetes Mellitus

What is Diabetes Mellitus?
In its simplest form, diabetes mellitus is a common but complex feline endocrine disorder caused by an insufficiency or absence of insulin. The lack or absence of insulin leads to difficulty in the body utilizing carbohydrates, fats and protein and properly balancing glucose (blood sugar) levels. There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Type I develops when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Type 2 occurs when the body’s cells fail to handle insulin efficiently. As a result, blood sugar levels elevate causing the classic symptoms of diabetes.

How does my cat get Diabetes Mellitus?
The exact cause remains unknown. However, possible risk factors include genetics, obesity, certain medications, pancreatitis, and hormonal imbalances. Male cats are slightly more at risk than female cats.

How do I know if my cat has Diabetes Mellitus?
The big clues usually show up in the litter box and/or the water bowl. Cats with diabetes drink excessive amounts of water and urinate more frequently, leaving larger-sized clumps in the litter box.Weight loss, vomiting, poor appetite, dehydration, dull skin coat and overall weakness are also warning signs.Unlike in dogs, cats may display a weakness in the rear legs called neuropathy.Unchecked, the disease can rapidly progress and lead to liver disease, secondary bacterial infections and death. By running a series of blood and urine tests, your veterinarian will be able to tell you if your cat has diabetes and its level of severity. For proper diagnosis, both blood sugar levels and levels of sugar in the urine may be needed. Some cats become stressed at veterinary clinics and may display temporary spikes in their blood glucose levels that return to healthy normal readings once they are back home and feel safe. Performing both tests helps rule out any false readings triggered by temporary stress.

What can I do about Feline Mellitus?
First, recognize that this is a treatable and common-but-serious disease that requires you to adhere to your veterinarian’s prescribed treatment plan to keep your cat healthy. Diabetes is a controllable, lifestyle disease that requires changes in diet, exercise, treats, and careful monitoring. Some diabetic cats can be treated with dietary management prescribed by your veterinarian.  Others respond well to oral hypoglycemic medications while others may require insulin injections given once or twice per day. It is important to monitor your cat’s glucose levels on a regular basis since diabetics can have large variations in their day-to-day lives. Your veterinarian will instruct you on how to properly give your cat the insulin injections and in some cases how to measure blood glucose at home. Needed follow-up appointments must be kept up to avoid possible emergencies or life-threatening conditions. One of the side effects of too much insulin is too low a blood sugar. Too low a blood sugar may present itself as staggering, seizures, passing out, and even death. Post your cat’s insulin regimen in a highly visible area of your house, such as on your refrigerator door. Family involvement is imperative to be success in maintaining a diabetic cat.  

Is there anything I can do to prevent my cat from getting Diabetes Mellitus?
By keeping your cat at a lean, healthy weight, you decrease the likelihood of her developing diabetes. Other than avoiding obesity, steroids and progesterone products, there is little that can be done to avoid getting diabetes.

Are there certain breeds that get Diabetes Mellitus more often?
No. This disease is more likely to affect middle-aged or older cats and those who are overweight or obese, but it can develop in any cat of any breed, gender or age.