Diabetes in Cats

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Diabetes in Cats

By: Dr. Leah Cohn

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Section: Treatment In-depth

Treatment for diabetes may include one or more of the following:

Insulin injections are the mainstay of treatment. Many
cats with DM will require one or two daily injections of insulin to replace absent or ineffective naturally occurring insulin. Because insulin is a hormone that is easily inactivated, it must be given by injection. These injections are given just under the skin using a small needle and syringe. Most pets become readily accustomed to the treatments, and despite initial trepidation, most owners can easily learn to give the injections without much objection from the pet. Type I DM, due to destruction of the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, requires life-long insulin therapy.

On the other hand, Type II DM, in which the tissues are merely resistant to the effects of insulin, can sometimes be controlled through weight management, diet changes and/or pills to lower blood glucose.

Some cats can be maintained well on a special diet such as Purina's DM. Patients with uncomplicated diabetes are generally managed on an outpatient basis, but those experiencing complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis will require initial in-hospital stabilization.

Insulin comes from several sources and in many formulations. The most commonly available source is recombinant insulin, produced by genetically engineered bacteria to mimic human insulin. Other sources are from processed beef or pork pancreas.

Insulin formulations vary in the time they require to reach peak action and duration of action. Commonly prescribed formulations include NPH (isophane) and protamine zinc (PZI). Another formulation, "regular" insulin, is very short acting and is primarily used in the hospital setting for complicated diabetics.

Diet. Proper weight management aids in control of DM. Obesity causes tissues to be resistant to the effects of insulin, while animals that are too thin do not have any energy reserves. Maintaining an optimum weight can help both type I and type II diabetics. For Type II diabetes, a prescription diet can significantly help some cats, even to the point of no longer requiring insulin as long as they stay on the diet.

A low carbohydrate and high protein diet and regular exercise can aid in control of DM. Ideally, 15% or less of metabolizable energy should be carbohydrates.

Ideally, meals should be divided into twice daily servings and offered prior to/with the insulin injections.

Ovariohysterectomy (spaying) is indicated in female diabetic animals. When animals come into heat (estrus), the hormonal changes alter insulin and glucose metabolism.

Drug therapy. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat infectious complications, particularly urinary tract infections or oral (gum) infections. Certain drugs, including steroids, should be avoided in diabetics. Steroids are often used to treat skin conditions, but should be avoided in diabetics.

Animals with complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis will require in-hospital therapy, including insulin administration with frequent dose adjustment, intravenous fluids, administration of electrolytes (blood chemicals) and antibiotics.

Be prepared for frequent adjustments to therapy early in the course of treatment. Veterinarians prefer to start with a low dose of insulin initially and adjust upwards slowly to avoid overdose.

Too much insulin can be worse than not enough; insulin overdose can cause low blood glucose. When blood glucose is too low, the brain does not get adequate energy. The result can be disorientation, lethargy, seizures, coma or even death. If you notice disorientation in your alert diabetic cat, offer food immediately. If the cat is unconscious, you can apply a sugary solution like Karo® syrup to the gums. In either case, call your veterinarian immediately.

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1 Insulin (Humulin®, Iletin®, Vetsulin™)
Insulin is a common medication used on dogs and cats to control blood sugar in diabetic animals. Insulin has also been used to temporarily reduce life-threatening levels of blood potassium related to certain...
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2 Obesity in Cats
The primary causes of obesity in cats are overeating and lack of exercise. When regular caloric intake exceeds the energy burned, the excess is stored as fat on your cat.
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3 How to Give Injectable Medication to Your Cat
Some diseases require periodic administration of injectable medications. Sometimes, this is done by the owner at home. Learn the proper and safe way to give an injection to your cat.
Read More
4 Glucose Curve in Cats
A glucose curve involves multiple measurements of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. This will help your veterinarian determine the proper insulin dose and the best time to administer the drug....
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5 Home Monitoring of Diabetic Cats
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1Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Dogs
Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...
Read More
2Obesity in Cats
The primary causes of obesity in cats are overeating and lack of exercise. When regular caloric intake exceeds the energy burned, the excess is stored as fat on your cat.
Read More
3How to Give Injectable Medication to Your Cat
Some diseases require periodic administration of injectable medications. Sometimes, this is done by the owner at home. Learn the proper and safe way to give an injection to your cat.
Read More
4Glucose Curve in Cats
A glucose curve involves multiple measurements of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. This will help your veterinarian determine the proper insulin dose and the best time to administer the drug....
Read More
5Home Monitoring of Diabetic Cats
Diabetes mellitus is a disorder involving blood sugar and insulin. In the diabetic patient, the glucose continues to circulate but there is either not enough insulin to carry the glucose into the cells...
Read More
6Insulin (Humulin®, Iletin®, Vetsulin™)
Insulin is a common medication used on dogs and cats to control blood sugar in diabetic animals. Insulin has also been used to temporarily reduce life-threatening levels of blood potassium related to certain...
Read More

Diabetes in Cats

Diabetes in Cats

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