Having your beloved pet diagnosed with feline diabetes can feel scary and overwhelming. Diabetes is such a devastating disease. It is easy to feel helpless for your pet. Fortunately, diabetes can be treated and with enough care, it is possible for your cat to live a relatively normal, happy life. Knowing what to expect can go a long way to make sure that you know what to do so you can be there when your pet needs you most.
What is feline diabetes?
Feline diabetes mellitus refers to a common yet complex disease characterized by the cat’s failure to produce or utilize insulin. Insulin is a type of hormone that allows the body to absorb glucose efficiently. During digestion, food is broken down so it can be absorbed readily through the bloodstream. One of the most important components that result from this breakdown is known as glucose. The cat uses it as fuel in order for its bodily systems to work properly. Diabetic cats cannot process the insulin needed to regulate glucose in the bloodstream for use by the cells.
Feline diabetes is categorized into three major categories: IDDM or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and NIDDM or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Most diabetic cats have IDDM and thus, require regular shots. Others have NIDDM, a disease that allows them to live without depending on insulin. However, they will later require insulin shots to control diabetes.
A third type is called transient diabetes, wherein cats with inefficient pancreas may exhibit symptoms and require treatment initially. However, over time, their system is able to develop the ability to regulate itself and they are able to overcome their dependence on insulin. Cats who change to low-carb and high-protein diet usually experience this type of recovery.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Cats affected with feline diabetes will tend to eat more food to compensate for the lack of blood glucose. In spite of this, they will become malnourished and later lose their appetite. They will also begin to drink a lot of water and urinate frequently. They may also lose weight for no reason. As the disease progresses, they may show general weakness, lethargy and difficulty breathing. They may also vomit frequently and have acetone-smelling breath. Left untreated, cats may go into coma.
To diagnose the disease, the vet performs a physical exam, asks about symptoms exhibited by the pet and performs a series of laboratory results, the most important of which is one that detects unusually high blood sugar levels found in the urine and the blood.
Treatment
The main focus of every treatment for feline diabetes is the regulation of insulin in the body and management of the cat’s diet. Depending on the cat, the vet may prescribe either oral medication or insulin injections. Shots are usually administered twice a day at scheduled intervals. A change in the cat’s diet will also be recommended by the vet in order to optimize its body’s ability to process insulin. A diet high in complex carbohydrates and fiber will help your pet maintain its weight. If it is overweight, a good diet will help it shed the extra pounds safely. Your pet may also have to undergo a strict feeding routine to ensure that its blood sugar levels are regulated.
There are certain complications associated with feline diabetes. However, with sufficient information, you will be able to work out a health maintenance plan with the help of your veterinarian to improve the quality of life of your pet.
