Diabetes Mellitus (Sugar Diabetes) In Cats

Overview
Diabetes mellitus or “sugar diabetes” is a common condition in people and relatively common in cats as well. It is a chronic condition in which the body either isn’t making enough insulin or isn’t responding to the insulin being produced. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps regulate blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is a by-product of the food our cats eat; it provides energy to the cells in their bodies.

There are two common types of diabetes mellitus. The first type occurs when your cat’s body can’t produce enough insulin; this is called type 1 diabetes. The second type of diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t respond to insulin; this is called type 2 diabetes. This form of diabetes is more common in indoor, less active, and overweight kitties, just as it is with their human counterparts. 

Symptoms
The most common symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst (polydipsia) and increased urination (polyuria).

Other symptoms include:

• Hunger
• Weight loss (despite a normal appetite)
• Lethargy 
• Depression
• Vomiting

Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and take a detailed history of your pet’s health. The symptoms of diabetes mellitus are very similar to other diseases, such as liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, and hyperthyroidism. Additionally, sometimes underlying diseases or conditions can cause transient diabetes, and once the primary disease or condition is treated, the diabetes resolves.

Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause of your cat’s symptoms.

These could include:

• Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
• A complete blood count (CBC) to rule out blood-related conditions
• Electrolyte tests to ensure your pet isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
• Urine tests to screen for urinary tract infection and other disease, and to evaluate the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine 
• A thyroid test to determine if the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone
• An ECG to screen for an abnormal heart rhythm, which could indicate underlying heart disease
• Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the health of the kidneys

Treatment
Many cats with type 2 diabetes that are treated with a prescription diet, a weight-loss program, and oral prescription drugs respond well, at least initially. Some cats, with early and effective treatment and weight loss, will experience remission of their diabetes. Unfortunately, many of these cats go on to develop type 1 diabetes, making once-to-twice daily injections of insulin a requirement to help regulate blood glucose.

Here are two videos, caring for your diabetic cat and giving injections to your pet, which may be useful to you.

For more information about feline diabetes, visit My Cat Has Diabetes. And remember: If you have questions about this topic or any other related to pet health, definitely reach out to your veterinarian—your key resource for information about the health and well-being of your best friend.