Diabetes in Cats

Diabetes mellitus is a commonly diagnosed disorder in cats where the pancreas does not produce sufficient amounts of insulin, or has inadequate cell response to insulin. Insulin is needed so that your cat can properly transform glucose into energy. When their body does not produce enough, it results in high blood sugar, increased urination, and increased water intake. Cat diabetes affects all the organs in your cat’s body, but is easily treated. Diabetes in cats is particularly common in obese cats, and diabetic males outnumber females two to one. Neutered, overweight male cats over the age of 10 are particularly at risk for this condition. Burmese cats seem to have a genetic disposition.

There are three types of diabetes found in cats:

Type I - This form is when the cat’s pancreatic cells do not produce enough insulin so they are dependent on insulin and need daily injections.
Type II - This form is associated with pancreatic cells that make enough insulin, but the cat’s body does not use it properly. Some will still require insulin, but there may be other treatment options available. This is the most common form of cat diabetes.
Type III - This form is associated with type II cats that do not need lifetime treatment. The initial insulin injections and diet change help the cat’s body to use the insulin more efficiently, so they can go off of insulin after time.

About 70% of cats with diabetes will need insulin injections, at least initially.

Signs & Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

Increased urination and water intake
Greatly increased appetite followed by a drastic drop in appetite
Weight loss
Lethargy
Vomiting
Dehydration
Labored breathing
Comatose state

If an advanced diabetes case goes untreated, it can lead to an enlarged liver, increased susceptibility to infection, and neurological problems.

Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam. Your veterinarian will most likely do the following:

Blood glucose curve - This test is used to monitor your cat’s response to insulin. A baseline blood sample will be taken beforehand and tested for its blood glucose level. Your cat will then be fed and given an injection of insulin. Subsequent blood samples will be taken at regular intervals throughout the day to monitor your cat’s response to the insulin over time. The amount and frequency of insulin injections can then be refined based on your cat’s individual need. This will require a day stay in the hospital for your cat.
Urinalysis - This test involves the collection of a urine sample. The urine will then be examined visually, chemically, and microscopically for abnormalities. Your veterinarian will look for red blood cells, crystal formation within the bladder, and abnormal pH or chemical values in the urine. In this case, your veterinarian will pay particular attention to the presence of glucose in the urine, which is an indication of diabetes mellitus.

Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is easily regulated with daily injections of insulin. The amount of insulin and the frequency of the injections will vary with every case, so your veterinarian will likely test a protocol for a period of time and then refine it after further blood glucose curve tests.

Weight management also plays a large role in the treatment of diabetes. For cat’s with diabetes, a low carbohydrate, high protein diet is what is often recommended.

Keeping your cat on a strict eating, insulin, and exercise routine daily will help them live a happy, healthy life despite their diabetes.

Proper handling of insulin

Be sure you have the appropriate size syringe for the concentration of insulin you are using. Variations include: U-40, U-100, and U-500 syringes which go to their corresponding 40, 100, and 500 units/ml insulin concentrations.
Insulin should be stored in the refrigerator.
Pay careful attention to the expiration date on the insulin bottle.
To mix insulin, NEVER shake the bottle or agitate it too harshly; gently roll the bottle between your palms.
Draw up the correct unit amount of insulin and double check the amount before giving the injection to your cat. Ensure that there are no bubbles in your syringe.
If any amount of insulin leaks from the syringe or injection site, DO NOT repeat the injection. Wait until it is time to give the next scheduled dose. If you have any questions or concerns, call your veterinarian. Giving too much insulin at one time can make your cat sick. Signs of an insulin overdose include: confusion, disorientation, stumbling, shivering, or seizing.
Make sure you follow your veterinarians protocol for feeding in association with the insulin intake.
Dispose of needles properly.