https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/health-and-wellness/diabetes-in-cats
Diabetes in cats is a chronic condition characterized by the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin or effectively use the insulin it produces.
Insulin is crucial for regulating blood glucose levels, and when it is lacking or ineffective, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar.
Diabetes is relatively common in cats, with estimates suggesting that between 1 in 100 and 1 in 500 cats develop the condition during their lifetime. The 2 main types of diabetes in cats are Type I, where insulin production is minimal or absent, requiring lifelong insulin therapy, and Type II, the most common form, where the body produces insulin but cannot effectively use it due to insulin resistance.
Symptoms of diabetes in cats include increased thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, lethargy, a dull or unkempt coat, and increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical signs and blood and urine tests to confirm elevated glucose levels.
Management often includes daily insulin injections or, in some cases, oral medications to regulate blood sugar levels.
Along with medical treatment, maintaining a strict feeding and insulin schedule, providing a specialized diabetic diet, encouraging physical activity, and ensuring easy access to water and litter boxes are essential components of home care to support diabetic cats.
Preventing diabetes in cats involves controlling risk factors such as obesity by promoting gradual weight loss and regular exercise. Feeding a high protein, low carbohydrate diet is recommended to reduce insulin resistance, as cats are obligate carnivores and thrive on such nutrition.
Regular veterinary checkups are important for early detection and management of diabetes, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life for affected cats.
Chewy editorial team shares that much like humans, cats can develop diabetes, a condition that impairs their ability to regulate blood sugar and if left untreated, can result in serious health problems.
But with proper treatment and care, many diabetic cats can live long, healthy and happy lives.
