KSAH - Diabetes Mellitus - Cat
Karrinyup Small Animal Hospital
5/207 Balcatta Road
Balcatta WA 6021 AU
08 9447 4644
[email protected]
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DIABETES MELLITUS - CATS

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders in middle-aged to older cats. Diabetes can be diagnosed in any breed, age, or gender but is more commonly seen in older, overweight male cats.

Cats more commonly develop Type 2 Diabetes, which is the presence of insulin resistance (meaning the body is not responding to its own insulin). Insulin is required for the body to use the glucose that is available in the bloodstream. When insulin is not available for use, there is excess glucose in the blood but the body’s cells are starved as they are unable to access this source of energy.

The most common early clinical signs seen in cats are weight loss, increased appetite, increased drinking and increased urine output. If this condition is left untreated, the body begins to break down fat as fuel. This process produces a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones, eventually leading to diabetic ketoacidosis which is a serious life threatening medical emergency.

Unlike diabetic dogs, the condition can be transient in cats meaning that with aggressive, short-term treatment, weight loss, and diet changes, we may be able to achieve diabetic remission.

A general blood profile, fructosamine and urinalysis tests are normally performed to diagnose diabetes. The tests will show a very high level of glucose in the blood, and in the urine. Depending on the results, your Veterinarian will advise you of the treatment plan.

DOSING AND TREATMENT REGIME

Treatment often requires numerous types of lifestyle changes such as medical (insulin injections) and dietary changes. Regular visits to the Veterinarian for revisits, blood tests and urine tests are required.

  • Human insulin (Glargine) is purchased from the chemist using a script provided by KSAH.
    It is available in preloaded insulin pens or vials that come in packs of 5. We will discuss with you which is the best option for you and your pet.
  • Insulin is to be given by subcutaneous injection under the skin every 12 hours with their meal.
  • Additional supplies to purchase:
    • Syringes (if using vials) purchased from KSAH or a chemist, your Veterinarian will advise the appropriate syringe specific to the type of insulin used.
    • Yellow sharps disposal container (purchased from chemist; full containers can be disposed of by any participating chemist).
  • When you have obtained your supplies of syringes and insulin, your Veterinarian will schedule a time with you to show you how to administer the doses safely and correctly.

MONITORING

Fructosamine Blood Test 

  • After 10-14 days from the start of insulin therapy, your pet will return to us for a revisit and fructosamine blood test to assess their initial response to therapy.
  • Once the insulin dose has been established (which may take a few months), a fructosamine blood test is performed every 3 months to monitor for any lapse in control of the diabetes.
  • Your pet is not required to stay a full day in hospital for this test.

Clinical Improvement

In conjunction with blood test monitoring, we also assess your pets clinical signs. Some of the factors we monitor:

  • Weight: stable diabetics should have a stable weight (unless on a weight loss plan)
  • Appetite: stable diabetics should continue to eat well but not be ravenous 
  • Water intake: reduced back to normal levels (and therefore normal urine output).

DIETARY MANAGEMENT

Appropriate dietary management is extremely important in the management of diabetes in cats.
Weight control with weight loss aimed at 1-2% loss per week if overweight at the time of diagnosis.

Diet:

  • Feeding a high protein and low carbohydrate diet is recommended in diabetic cats (eg Hills w/d, Hills m/d, Hills r/d, Royal Canin Diabetic).
  • The diet must remain consistent (i.e. they should consume the same amount of calories at the same times each day). 
  • It is preferable for the meal to be eaten in a short time frame (coinciding with their insulin) but cats that are historically ‘grazers’ are fine to continue their slow eating habits.

NOTE: If your pet is not eating, please do not give their insulin injection and contact us.

It is important to avoid feeding additional food/treats throughout the day as each time they eat, there is a spike in their glucose levels which can then result in poorer diabetic control and increased risks of complications. 

PROGNOSIS

Up to 50% of cats with early onset diabetes can go into remission for a variable period of time when aggressively managed with insulin and a strict diet.

Some won't require lifelong insulin treatment but others may require insulin again in the future.

INSULIN OVERDOSE

A diabetic pet needs insulin to survive. But, too much insulin can also be deadly. Too much insulin can result in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This can occur when a cat accidentally receives too high a dose, too many doses, or is not eating. Early signs of low blood sugar include weakness, lethargy, or disorientation. If this is to happen, seek veterinary attention immediately. You may be advised to put a small amount of sugar syrup on your pet's gums to be able to safely get them to the hospital.

If your pet experiences any of the following, seek veterinary attention immediately:

  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Lack of appetite
  • Changes in behaviour
  • Depression
  • Incoordination