Feline Diabetes

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Most people are unaware of the fact that cats can also have diabetes. People might not understand the signs and symptoms. However, this is a genuine condition that a cat can suffer from, and pet owners should obviously be aware of the relevant facts. Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed on the basis of the cat's signs, physical examination findings, laboratory test results, and the constant presence of abnormally high levels of sugar in the blood and urine. After diagnosis, treatment is definitely necessary.

In case of absence of treatment, a cat's lifespan is shortened. Ketoacidosis can develop, indicated by loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, dehydration, and abnormalities in breathing. A cat with diabetes can have unhealthy skin and coat, liver disease and secondary bacterial infections. Other various damaging conditions can also develop, causing the cat and the owner discomfort.

Hence, diabetes treatment is started, depending on the severity of the disease. Cats with ketoacidosis need immediate intensive care, which consists of fluid therapy and insulin injections. Cats that are not very ill should be given insulin injections or oral medications and their diet should be changed.

Treatment for each diabetic cat is different, and each cat also has a different response. A few can be treated with oral medications, whereas others need insulin injections. In some cases, diabetes can be reversed, while in others, treatment has to be continued for life. Constant medication, consistent feeding and a stable, stress-free lifestyle are usually the best forms of treatment.

Insulin injections should be administered under their skin on a daily basis. It is easier to give the injections at home. You can learn how to administer these from your veterinarian. The appropriate kind of insulin, dose and frequency of administration should be figured out. Moreover, the dosage might have to be changed with time, according to new blood glucose profiles, the results of blood tests and urine sugar measurements, plus improvement in the cat as a result of treatment.

Oral hypoglycemic medications can be given as a part of treatment as well. Healthy diabetic cats can simply be treated with glipizide, for example, since it decreases blood glucose. However, such medications can have negative side effects and should be given if the pros outweigh the cons.

Modification of diet is an important step that should be taken. In addition to medication, an important step in treating diabetes is to alter your cat's diet. Weight loss is important, and a safe weight-loss program should be adopted to enable your cat to lose it gradually. A high-fiber, high-complex carbohydrate diet is best for weight loss and to help regulate blood sugar levels.

The fact is that there is no definite cure for diabetes mellitus. But, diabetic cats might become less dependent on insulin with the passage of time. If diabetes is the result of obesity, weight loss will help your pet significantly. There are usually no serious chronic complications in case of cats, such as those that affect people with diabetes mellitus, such as kidney disease, blood vessel disease, and coronary artery disease, which is a definite plus.