Diabetes Mellitus In Cats - Overview
By Ernest Ward, DVM & Robin Downing, DVM, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP Emergency Situations, Medical Conditions What is diabetes mellitus? Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas, a small organ located near the stomach. The pancreas has two different types of cells that have very different functions. One group of cells produces the enzymes necessary for proper digestion. The other group, called beta cells, produces the hormone insulin, which regulates the level of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream and controls the delivery of glucose to the tissues of the body. In simple terms, diabetes mellitus is caused by the failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar. The clinical signs of diabetes mellitus are related to elevated concentrations of blood glucose and the inability of the body to use glucose as an energy source. What are the clinical signs of diabetes mellitus in cats? The four main symptoms of diabetes mellitus are increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and increased appetite. Because of the nature of cats, these signs may go unnoticed, especially in the early stages of disease or if a cat spends a lot of time outdoors. Cats that are fed canned or semi-moist diets receive much of their water intake from their food, and increased water intake will be harder to recognize. Are there different types of diabetes mellitus in cats? Diabetes mellitus is usually classified into 2 types of disease: Type I diabetes mellitus results from total or near-complete destruction of the beta cells. This appears to be a rare type of diabetes in the cat. Type II diabetes mellitus is different because some insulin-producing cells remain, but the amount of insulin produced is insufficient, there is a delayed response in secreting it, or the tissues of the cat's body are re Continue reading >>
Diabetes In Cats
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. It is caused by the body’s inability to either produce or properly utilise the hormone insulin. This results in excessive amounts of glucose in the blood stream (hyperglycaemia) and the urine (glycosuria). Clinical signs can vary a lot depending on the individual, the severity of the condition and how long the animal has had the condition. Most common signs of diabetes in cats are: Drinking excessively (Polydipsia) Increased appetite (Polyphagia) More frequent urination or increase in the volume of urine produced (Polyurea) Weight loss – Usually muscle first (“my cat feels boney”) then fat. These are the most notable signs seen at home. Due to the high blood glucose level the kidneys can no longer prevent its loss into the urine. This loss of glucose in the urine takes water with it. This means there is more urine to get rid of (Polyurea). The water loss from the kidneys would rapidly cause the cat to become dehydrated if it did not drink more to compensate for this extra loss. So this leads an increase in the cats drinking (Polydipsia). The body thinks there is not enough energy so it causes the appetite to increase (Polyphagia). Despite this increase in appetite the glucose can’t get into the cells so the body starts to break down its own resources muscle and then fat leading to the weight loss. Usually despite these quite dramatic clinical signs the cat may well be bright and happy in it self. Also if your cat drinks and toilets outside this can go unnoticed. Other clinical signs Coat – This can become oily/greasy looking with excessive dandruff Liver enlargement – This may be mentioned by us at examination Jaundice – This is a yellow colouration to skin or white part of Continue reading >>
Related Conditions
Diabetic Complications Just as with humans, untreated diabetes in cats can lead to a number of complications. These include pancreatitis, diabetic neuropathy (walking on the hocks), diabetic ketoacidosis, as well as hypoglycemia and kidney failure. Research in humans and mice has shown that organ damage begins to occur when the blood sugar is above 140 (7.8). Many of these studies can be found here: Research Connecting Organ Damage with Blood Sugar Level. Several of the more common complications are described below. Pancreatitis Pancreatitis is a condition that causes severe inflammation in and around the duct area. The pancreas is already damaged, to varying degrees, by the time our cats are diagnosed with feline diabetes (FD). Dr. Hodgkins states in her book Your Cat, Secrets to a Longer, Stronger Life; cats with FD typically have at least low-grade pancreatitis. As a result, when a cat comes along that is not achieving expected results with insulin, initial thoughts should turn to the likelihood of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis may be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, where chronic pancreatitis refers to a long-standing inflammation of the pancreas that alters its normal structure and functions. Both forms of pancreatitis can cause serious complications for our cats, some more severe than others. Malabsorption of food, internal bleeding, damage to tissue, infection, cysts, fluid accumulation, enzymes and toxins entering the bloodstream, damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, and/or other organs may occur if left untreated. It is now suspected that pancreatitis may be a cause of diabetes in cats. Malabsorption of food is a very common outcome in humans with pancreatitis, as is diabetes. Diabetes develops because insulin-producin Continue reading >>
Your Cat And Diabetes: Everything You Need To Know
Diabetes is a very serious issue – and not just in people either. That’s right, this chronic and potentially debilitating condition also affects cats (and dogs). And while it’s difficult to know the exact incidence of diabetes in cats, best estimates put it somewhere in the range of 1 cat in every 100-200 cats will become diabetic. What’s even sadder is that this incidence seems to be on the increase. Fortunately, armed with some good information, important tips, and a good working relationship with your veterinarian, you can give your cats the best chance at avoiding this frustrating condition. And if they’ve already developed it, know that these same tools can help you best manage your cat’s diabetic state; avoiding the potential complications and perhaps even getting them into diabetic remission. What is diabetes? In the most basic sense, diabetes mellitus is a disorder where blood sugar, or glucose, cannot be effectively utilized and regulated within the body. There are several hormones within the body that play important roles in glucose metabolism. Insulin is one of the most important, if not the most important, and it’s the hormone most central to the development and control of the diabetic state. Glucose fuels the body and insulin is the hormone that helps to get it into most cells within the body. Diabetes is often easily diagnosed and controllable. However, when undiagnosed or poorly managed, diabetes can be devastating. Diabetes can absolutely be managed and your cat can still lead a long and happy life. Routine veterinary care and evaluation are important, as is achieving and maintaining an appropriate weight in your cat and feeding him an appropriate diet. There are two types of diabetes – Type I and Type II. In Type I diabetes, the pancreas Continue reading >>
Discovering The Reasons Underlying Difficult-to-control Diabetes In Cats
Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrinopathy in feline practice. Cats with diabetes can be challenging to monitor and treat because of the complex pathophysiology of the disease and cats' propensity for stress-related hyperglycemia. In addition, the small size of feline patients makes insulin dosing more difficult. This article will review reasons for poor diabetic regulation and outline a logical approach to the difficult-to-treat diabetic cat. In general, problems with diabetic control can be categorized as insulin-related, client-related, or patient-related. Although patient-related problems are more common, it is wise to carefully exclude insulin- and client-related issues first, since these are often easily identified and addressed. When insulin- and client-related issues have been ruled out, we then start to look for patient-related problems. Insulin-related problems Sudden loss of regulation in a previously well-controlled diabetic may be due to problems with the insulin itself. Even if you have no specific reason to suspect a loss of biologic activity with the insulin, it is always wise to just discard the present bottle and start a new one. Insulin is a peptide and, therefore, can be damaged by exposure to heat or extreme cold. With some insulin types, agitation during shipping can also damage the molecule and alter its biologic effects. Another consideration is bacterial contamination; this can occur quickly and result in degradation of the insulin molecules and loss of potency. And lastly, dilution of the insulin can cause problems as the product may behave differently or become unstable. Before conducting an exhaustive and expensive search to identify patient-related problems leading to insulin resistance, it may be worthwhile to replace an older insulin via Continue reading >>
Feline Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a hormonal disease that occurs in about 1 out of every 400 cats. It is characterised by elevated blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. If untreated, it can lead to life-threatening metabolic disturbances. Diabetes in cats is most similar to type II or adult onset diabetes in humans. The hormone insulin is produced in the pancreas and is responsible for allowing glucose to be taken into cells to provide energy. If there is resistance to this action or there is a reduction in the total amount of insulin produced, then the cat becomes diabetic. The cats who are most at risk for developing diabetes are cats over eight years old, male cats, Burmese cats and cats who are overweight. Signs and Symptoms Clinical signs of diabetes include: excessive drinking excessive urinating increased appetite problems walking or jumping. (This is caused by neuropathy which causes poor nervous control to the cat’s hind legs) Diagnosis Diagnosis involves blood and urine tests to demonstrate high blood glucose and the presence of glucose in the urine. Sometimes a test for fructosamine is required to distinguish between cats which are stressed and those that are truly diabetic. Treatment Diabetes is a very treatable disease, but requires long term commitment. Treatment options include: treating underlying disease (if there is one) insulin therapy (the preferred method, and the one that provides the best control of blood sugar) dietary management (there have been significant advances in dietary treatment of feline diabetes recently) After your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, the next step is to determine the correct type and dose of insulin for her. This varies from cat to cat, and your cat will probably have to spend several days in the hospital. She will have her bloo Continue reading >>
Diabetes Mellitus (sugar Diabetes)
This page describing diabetes mellitus (DM) is very thorough and will require some study if you want to understand it fully. There is a different kind of diabetes, called diabetes insipidus, which is not the same disease. In general, when most people say a pet or a person has diabetes, or if they also say sugar diabetes, they are refurring to diabetes mellitus. Sugar diabetes, more correctly know as diabetes mellitus (DM), is a complex disease that is difficult to control, particularly in cats. Proper treatment requires a commitment on your part, usually for the life of your pet. It is well worth the effot in most cases because response to treatment is usually quite rewarding. By definition, DM is a persistent hyperglycemia and glycosuria due to an absolute or relative insulin deficiency. By the time you are done with this page you will understand what all of this means. You will also learn that some of the parameters of DM in animals are similar to humans, and many parameters are not, so be careful of extrapolating any experience you have between the two. DM can occur in many different species like birds and Guinea Pigs, although it is most commonly diagnosed in dogs, and especially cats. Obesity is a big reason pets get DM. Fat is not just fat, it causes inflammation, leads to the rise of insulin resistance, which means your pet gets DM and does not respond well to insulin treatment. Most obese cats are prone to be what is called prediabetic. It all has to due with a hormone called amylin elevated in the bloodstream of overweight cats. You can go far in preventing DM by keeping your pet at a normal weight, and feeding your cat a food that is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates. Routine exams, that include blood panels and urinalyses that both monitor glucose, Continue reading >>
Cats And Feline Diabetes, Symptoms And Treatment
Cats and Feline Diabetes What are the Symptoms? What is the Treatment? Feline Diabetes Cats are one of the most popular pets in North America. They are loving pets, capable of providing you years of companionship. Like other pets, cats can sometimes get sick. There are several different types of ailments that cats can get, one of which is feline diabetes. Feline diabetes is a serious disease, although it can be treated by a veterinarian. About 1 in 400 cats develop diabetes and it is becoming increasingly common. Diabetes is more common with humans than with cats or other animals. The cause of diabetes is actually quite simple. Sugar, or glucose, is found in the blood. The level of blood sugar in the body or the animal is kept under control by hormone insulin, which the pancreas produces. When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, diabetes is to blame. Diabetes in cats occurs more frequently than in dogs. 80-95% of diabetic cats experience something similar to type-2 diabetes but are generally severely insulin-dependent by the time symptoms are diagnosed. Feline Diabetes Symptoms The symptoms of feline diabetes will vary. The most common symptoms include sudden weight loss (or occasionally gain), an increase in urine and an excessive increase in thirst. Some cats may even appear to develop an obsession with water and lurk around faucets or water bowls. Appetite is suddenly either ravenous (up to 3x normal) or absent altogether. These symptoms arise from the body being unable to use glucose as an energy source. If feline diabetes is left untreated, the cat will eventually become inactive, with back legs becoming weak. The gait may become stilted or wobbly (peripheral neuropathy). Cats may vomit on a regular basis and will eventually suffer from malnutrition, wit Continue reading >>
Does Dry Cat Food Really Cause Feline Diabetes
The link between food and feline diabetes is a subject that we’ve talked about before but it keeps coming up so I think it’s a good idea to revisit the subject. One of the concerns surrounding dry food is the carbohydrate content in the foods. Dry foods tend to have moderate to high levels of carbohydrates. Many sources on the internet will tell you that feeding dry foods that contain high levels of carbohydrates will cause your cat to develop diabetes. But is this true and what is the real relationship here? We know that feeding a high-protein low-carbohydrate diet can be effective for controlling the glycemic response in diabetic cats and many diabetic cats fed this type of diet will actually go into diabetic remission. Many people make the claim that since feeding these diets to a diabetic cat is beneficial, then feeding a healthy cat a high-protein low-carbohydrate diet should prevent diabetes. However, the situation is actually much more complex than that. In 2011, at the World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress, Claudia A. Kirk, DVM, PhD, DACVN, DACVIM presented a session entitled Cats and Carbohydrates – What is the Impact? These are some of the highlights of her presentation: Several studies have evaluated the potential role of carbohydrates in the pathogenesis of DM (diabetes mellitus) in cats. Summarizing key findings: An epidemiological study of cats from the Netherlands found indoor confinement and low physical activity and not amount of dry food were associated with DM. High carbohydrate intake was not considered a risk factor for feline DM. But recent reports from these investigators have suggested an association of high carbohydrate foods with calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Indoor confinement and physical inactivity rather than the pr Continue reading >>
10 Signs Of Diabetes In Cats
One of the most common diseases in cats is diabetes. Those most at risk are overweight house pets, particularly males. According to Diabetic Cat Care, it can take weeks or even months for symptoms to show up and possibly longer for a owner to notice. Meanwhile, their cat’s health is deteriorating. Diabetic Cat Care gives the following as symptoms to watch for as signs that your cat may have diabetes. #1 – Increased Thirst This can be hard thing to notice, since most of us have multiple bowls and even automatic waterers; if you have more than one cat, it’s even harder. If you think you are refilling the bowls more frequently, separate the cat you think may be doing it so you can monitor them, as this can be a sign of several illnesses that need to be addressed by a vet. #2 – Increased Urination Of course, if your kitty is drinking more, she will also be urinating more. Again, you may have to separate your cats to figure out which one is going, unless you notice your cat make more trips to the litterbox than usual. #3 – Increased/Decreased Appetite Kitties can be fussy eaters or gluttons by nature, so you are going to have to take into account your cat’s normal dinner behavior. The important thing is to notice anything out of the norm for your cat. #4 – Weight Loss If you have a skinny cat that just is not gaining weight, or is losing it, regardless of how much you feed him, it’s time to take a trip to the vet. It could be something as simple as worms, or it could be something much more serious. Better safe than sorry. #5 – Poor Coat Again, there are many things that can cause a poor coat – food, shampoo/conditioner, allergies, lack of grooming, etc. But if you notice your cat’s coat is just the same as it used to be (dull, flakey dandruff, etc), and Continue reading >>
Feline Diabetes
Help and Hope Starts With Getting Informed Learning a cat has diabetes is stressful for any pet owner. But with the right knowledge, veterinary care and home treatment, pet owners can help their cats live long, happy lives. We’ll help you along the way. Let’s start with the information below. Symptoms of cat diabetes Feline diabetes occurs when a cat's body doesn't produce enough insulin or respond effectively to insulin. Symptoms include: Increased thirst. Urinating more than usual. Increased appetite. Weight loss, even with increased food intake. Weakness in the back of legs. You may notice your cat's stance is different. How cat diabetes is diagnosed After drawing blood and collecting a urine sample, a veterinarian will conduct these tests: High blood glucose (sugar) or hyperglycemia test. In the U.S., blood glucose is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The glucose concentration that may raise suspicion of diabetes is 200-300 mg/dL, depending on symptoms. Fructosamine test. This provides a long-term view of blood glucose over the previous one to three weeks. Fructosamine is measured in micromoles per liter (μmol/L). A fructosamine measurement above 400 μmol/L could suggest diabetes. Urinalysis test. Glucose in the urine indicates a failure of the kidneys to filter the glucose out of the blood, which suggests the cat is hyperglycemic and may have diabetes. Learn about insulin needs Facts on insulin production in healthy and diabetic cats Insulin is a hormone for regulating blood glucose (sugar), a critical metabolic process. However, diabetic cats have difficulties producing and using insulin and fall into three main categories: Some cats with diabetes produce enough of their own insulin. An exercise plan or special diet can help them respond to their Continue reading >>
Diabetes In Elderly Cats
Diabetes is especially common in older cats. From weight gain to arthritis, aging isn't exactly the most exciting situation for anyone, whether you're a cat, elephant, human being or space alien. Elderly felines become a lot more vulnerable to a wide array of health ailments -- and diabetes is one of them. Diabetes is characterized by unusually high levels of blood sugar in the body. The excessive glucose is a direct result of the cat's abnormally low insulin. Insulin, a protein hormone, normally control the blood's amount of glucose. The chronic disease is caused either by the absence of insulin or by the body's insufficient reaction to it. Diabetes can strike any kitty, young or old. But it's much more likely in geriatric felines, according to the Feline Advisory Bureau and the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. It's not yet certain why. Other risk factors in cats include being overweight, fixed and male. Health problems become more of a factor as your precious pet ages. The Feline Advisory Bureau recommends regular urine testing for diabetes in cats who are at least 7. Key signs of the disease include loss of weight, appetite swings, going No. 1 much more frequently, exhaustion, unusual thirst, messy fur, blood in the urine, and neglecting to use the litter tray for urination. As soon as you notice any of those symptoms in your kitty, get him to the veterinarian. The sooner you figure out what's ailing your cat, the quicker you can get him back on the road toward feeling good. Because diabetes is a chronic disease, no cure per se exists. However, that doesn't mean a diabetic cutie is relegated to a life of pain and suffering, or worse, to no life at all. With veterinary guidance, you might be able to successfully manage your older cat's situation. So Continue reading >>
Feline Diabetes
Definition: Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease in which the blood sugar level rises because of failure of insulin to control it. This occurs either because the pancreas has lost its ability to manufacture insulin (known as Type I diabetes) or that mechanisms of insulin release and tissue responsiveness are dysfunctional (Type II diabetes). Without proper insulin regulation, the body is unable to transport glucose (a simple sugar obtained from digested food) into cells. Because glucose remains trapped in the bloodstream, the tissues of the body are deprived of the energy needed to function normally. Risk factors: In many cases, the cause for why a cat has developed diabetes cannot be determined. However, it is known that obesity predisposes cats for Type II diabetes. Other causes or factors include: damage to the pancreas caused by inflammation, infection, immune mediated disease, tumors, genetic predisposition, and exposure to certain drugs. Cats receiving steroids are also predisposed to diabetes. Symptoms: The most common symptoms of diabetes are weight loss (often with a healthy appetite), excessive water consumption and excessive urine output. Because so much urine is being produced, some diabetic cats will urinate in unusual places (i.e., outside of the litter box). Owners may notice that litter has suddenly begun to stick to their cat’s paws because of the excess volume of urine being produced. Some cats will also show weakness, lethargy, vomiting, abnormal gait, poor grooming habits and changes in behavior. Diagnosis: Physical examination may show poor body condition, dehydration, jaundice, and an enlarged liver. Laboratory testing is essential to diagnose diabetes. Blood tests show hyperglycemia (high blood sugar, usually above 300 mg/dl), and often the Continue reading >>
Feline Diabetes: Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention, And Diet Tips
An alarming number of cats are developing diabetes mellitus, which is the inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar, or glucose, levels . Left untreated, it can lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting , dehydration, severe depression, problems with motor function, coma, and even death. To find out why so many cats are being diagnosed with diabetes, and what owners can do, WebMD talked to Thomas Graves, a former feline practitioner who is associate professor and section head of small animal medicine at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Graves’ research focus is on diabetes and geriatric medicine. Q: How common is feline diabetes? A: The true incidence isn’t known, but it’s estimated at 0.5% to 2% of the feline population. But it’s also probably under diagnosed. Q: What are the signs of diabetes in cats? A: The main symptoms are increased thirst and increased urination. And while we do see it in cats with appropriate body weight, it’s more common in obese cats. Some cats with diabetes have a ravenous appetite because their bodies cannot use the fuel supplied in their diet. Q: What’s the treatment for a cat with feline diabetes? A: Diet is certainly a component. It’s felt that a low-carbohydrate diet is probably best for cats with diabetes. Treatment is insulin therapy. There are some oral medications, but they have more side effects and are mainly used when insulin can’t be used for some reason. There are blood and urine tests, physical examinations, and behavioral signals, which are used to establish insulin therapy. This is done in conjunction with your veterinarian. We don’t recommend owners adjust insulin therapy on their own because it can be sort of complicated in cats. Most patients come in every t Continue reading >>
Consider This Case: An Uncontrolled Diabetic Cat
Ann Della Maggiore, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM University of California—Davis Sugar, a 12-year-old spayed female Maine Coon cat, presented for poorly controlled diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. HISTORY Sugar was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus 2 years prior to presentation. Initially, her diabetes was moderately controlled on 5 to 6 units of recombinant human protamine zinc insulin (PZI) (40 U/mL; ProZinc, bi-vetmedica.com), but over the year prior to presentation the insulin dose had been progressively increased with no improvement in glycemic control. Upon presentation, Sugar was receiving 14 units of recombinant human PZI. The owner was performing blood glucose curves at home, but struggling to maintain Sugar’s blood glucose below 300 mg/dL. In addition to diabetes mellitus, Sugar had concurrent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and chronic rhinitis, and persistent polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weakness. Key Points: Feline Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes is a disease of insulin deficiency. Diabetes in cats is most commonly classified as type 2-like diabetes—a disease process in which insufficient insulin production from beta cells takes place in the setting of insulin resistance. Insulin requirements can be altered by obesity, inflammation, or concurrent endocrine disease, such as hypersomatotropism (acromegaly) or hyperadrenocorticism. Some refer to a subclass of diabetic cats with secondary diabetes—patients in which diabetes occurs subsequent to (1) another endocrine disease (eg, acromegaly, hyperadrenocorticism) or (2) administration of diabetogenic drugs (eg, glucocorticoids).1 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Physical examination revealed a symmetrically muscled cat, weighing 7.7 kg, with a body condition score of 6/9. Sugar had an unkempt hair coat, mild prognathia infer Continue reading >>
