ALLEY CAT RESCUE
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Feline Diabetes
​(diabetes mellitus)

PictureBandit, diabetic but happy and healthy!
Problem: 
Similar to diabetes in humans, feline diabetes is a condition where the body cannot properly produce or respond to insulin resulting in elevated level of the sugar glucose. Glucose cannot enter the cells so the level of glucose in the blood can become abnormally high, which is known as hyperglycemia. Diabetic cats can also suffer from the inverse, hypoglycemia, when their blood sugar gets very low. Hypoglycemia can be very serious - a cat can lose consciousness or even die. Hypoglycemia can be a consequence of too much insulin so owners should look for symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, wobbling when walking, restlessness and convulsions when treating their cat.

  Types:
  • Cats with Type I feline diabetes have high glucose concentrations because insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are killed by the immune system.
  • Cats with Type II diabetes have high glucose levels because their cells do not properly respond to insulin. This is the most common type in cats.

Feline diabetes is a common endocrine disorder in cats, affecting approximately 1 in 200 cats (Bloom & Rand, 2014). Feline diabetes is also more likely to affect males. Thankfully for cat owners, veterinarians’ understanding of feline diabetes has increased dramatically in the past 10 years and more options are available for treatment.

Symptoms:
  • Increased thirst
  • Hanging over the side of water dishes
  • Increased urination
  • Obesity- it is estimated that 35% of adult cats are either overweight or obese (Lund, Armstrong, Kirk & Klausner, 2005)
  • Weight loss despite an increased appetite
  • Ravenous appetite

Diagnosis:
Feline diabetes is diagnosed by testing the cat’s blood and urine. 

Treatments:  
  • Insulin therapy. This is the most common treatment for feline diabetes, usually through injections. Owners can be taught how to give their pets the insulin shots themselves. Injections are relatively easy to give.​
  • Oral medication is a potential form of treatment but it can have negative side effects and is less effective than shots. 
    • A new class of drugs called SGLT2 protein inhibitors can be administered orally with far fewer side effects. SGLT2 also offers the possibility for full remission. However, these drugs will only be effective for cats who have a certain minimum level of Beta (insulin-producing) cell mass. 
    • On August 14, 2023, the FDA approved the first oral liquid medication to treat diabetes in cats (source).
  • A diet low in carbohydrates and fiber. This can improve a cat’s control of their blood glucose levels. Wet food is often lower in carbs and is the recommended food source. Diet should be used alongside other treatment plans unless there is a medical reason not to.
  • Acarbose. This is a medication that can be used with insulin or oral medication for cats who cannot eat a low carbohydrate diet.
  • Frequent visits to the vet for blood monitoring, urine tests, and physical exams​
​
Goal: Feline diabetes is rarely cured so for many pet owners the goal is diabetic remission. This is when a cat “maintains a normal glucose level for more than four weeks without insulin injections or oral glucose regulating medications” (Buzhardt, 2017). Once a cat is in remission they are likely to stay there if they maintain a good body condition score and eat a low carbohydrate diet.

​

Resources
Bloom, C.A. & Rand, J. (2014). Feline Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 16, 205-215.
Buzhardt, L. (March 23, 2017). Diabetic Remission in Cats. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/diabetic-remission-in-cats 
Hypoglycemia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.petdiabetes.com/pdorg/hypoglycemia.htm 
Feline Diabetes. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/brochure_diabetes.cfm 
Lund, E.M., Armstrong, P.J., Kirk, C.A. & Klausner, J.S. (2005). Prevalence and Risk Factors for Obesity in Adult Cats from Private US Veterinary Practices. The International Journal of Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine, 3(2), 88-96.
Rand, J.S. (2013). Feline Diabetes. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 43(2).
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  • Home
    • About ACR >
      • Our Team
      • History
      • Board of Directors
      • Email Sign-up
      • Financial Information
    • ACR in the Press
    • ACR Publications
    • Adoptions >
      • Adoption Application
      • Advice for Adopters
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Contact Us
    • Partnerships
  • Action Alerts
    • The Feral Fix
    • Spay Neuter Pledge
    • No Declaw Pledge
  • Spay/Neuter
    • Early Age Spay/Neuter
    • Misconceptions About Spay/Neuter
    • State Low Cost Spay/Neuter
  • Community Cats
    • What is a Feral Cat? >
      • Feral vs. Stray Cats
      • Benefits of Feral Cats
    • Trap-Neuter-Return >
      • TNR Statistics
      • TNR Step-by-Step
      • TNR/Community Cat Care Resources
      • Introduce TNR to Your Shelter
      • Solutions to Common Complaints
    • CAT Action Teams: TNR Groups by State
    • Feral Kittens >
      • What to do if you find kittens
      • Orphaned Kittens
      • Fostering Kittens
    • Providing Shelter
    • Health Care
    • Cat Overpopulation
    • Relocation
    • How to Adopt Out Cats
    • Protecting Cats During Winter
    • Protecting Cats During Summer
    • Feral Cats and the Law
    • Cats and Wildlife >
      • Why Eradication Methods Fail
    • Handbook 2023 Ed
  • Cat Health
    • Health Care for Your Cat >
      • Vet Care Financial Assistance
    • Common Cat Health Issues >
      • FeLV and FIV
      • Feline Panleukopenia
      • FIP
      • Rabies
      • Zoonotic Diseases
      • Indoor/Outdoor Cats
    • Cats & Claws
    • Animal Cruelty Against Cats
    • Poisonous Hazards >
      • Poisonous Plants
    • Cats and COVID-19
    • Pet Food Banks
    • Pet Disaster Preparedness
  • Cat Behavior
    • Solutions to Prevent Surrendering your cat >
      • Rehoming
    • Introducing Cats
    • Tips for Entertaining an Indoor Cat
    • Lost Cat
  • African Wildcats
    • AWC Conservation Projects
    • Press Release on African Wildcat Campaign
    • AWC Photo Contest
  • Donate
  • Store