What is feline diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which there is an increased level of glucose in the blood due to a hormone called insulin. Insulin controls the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood and is vital in allowing the body’s cells to convert glucose into energy. There are two different types of diabetes; type 1 diabetes, in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and type 2 diabetes, in which the body does not respond to insulin properly. Most cats will suffer from type 2 diabetes.
In a healthy cat, glucose enters the blood stream after your cat digests a meal. When glucose levels are high, the pancreas releases insulin. The insulin facilitates the absorption of the glucose into the body’s cells which is then converted into energy and the level of glucose in the blood decreases. In a type 2 diabetic cat, the glucose level in the blood remains high as the cells cannot absorb it and turn it into energy. The body reacts by breaking down fats and proteins in order to provide energy, this can lead to a noticeable weight loss in your cat despite a normal or increased appetite. The increased level of glucose in the blood cannot be fully filtered by the kidneys, leading to glucose passing through into the urine. The increased glucose content causes water to osmotically move into the urine resulting in increased urination. In turn, your cat will drink more in order to compensate.
Signs of diabetes
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Lethargy and weakness
- Urinary infections
- Sunken back legs – walking or standing with hocks close to the ground as a result of nerve damage
How is diabetes diagnosed?
If diabetes is suspected, a diagnosis is reached with both urine and comprehensive blood tests, testing for high glucose levels as well as ruling out any underlying disease. There are several different types of blood test that your cat may need during diagnosis and treatment:
Glucometer reading – This is obtained with a small pin prick in your cat’s ear flap with a needle or lancet. A drop of blood is then absorbed onto a piece of testing paper which is placed into a machine called a glucometer. This will immediately display the level of glucose in the blood which can then be compared for use in diagnosis and monitoring. This gives a us a ‘snap shot’ of the level of glucose at that time.
Glucose curve – This is often used in managing the dosage of insulin in unstable cats. Your cat will need to spend the day with us in the hospital so that we can take glucose readings at regular intervals after their insulin dose. This gives your vet a picture of how they are responding to the medication and they make dose adjustments depending on the results.
Constant glucose monitoring – If your cat is very unstable your vet may recommend that they be fitted with a glucose monitor. This is a small device about an inch in diameter which is implanted on cat’s skin by your vet and data can be accessed via an app on your phone. The device can stay in situ for around 10 days and gives your vet a comprehensive overview of your cat’s response to insulin.
Fructosamine blood test – This is a blood test which gives us an average glucose level for your cat over the previous three weeks. A sample of blood is taken by your vet and sent to an external laboratory to perform the test; the results are then sent directly to your vet to analyse. This test is used to confirm diagnosis of diabetes and as a monitoring test for stable patients.
How is diabetes treated?
Diabetes is treated with the administration of insulin every 12 hours, after a meal. It can be daunting for owners faced with having to inject their pets, fortunately there are some alternatives to the traditional needle and syringe which are less intimidating. VetPen is a specially designed injection device which is simple to use, portable and makes accurate dosing easier. As part of any treatment plan for a diabetic patient our vets will organise a diabetes clinic with one of our nursing team who will talk owners through the right options for them and guide them through injecting insulin until they are confident doing so at home.
Owners will also need a sharps bin in order to dispose of needles safely, these are available from the surgery in a number of different sizes.
Your cat will need to have their blood glucose levels monitored regularly to ensure the insulin dose is correct, this may mean several trips to the vets. When a diabetic cat is stable these tests may only be needed every 3 months.
How do I order insulin for my cat?
Insulin for cats is a specific veterinary prescription product which is dispensed by your vet. It comes in either a bottle for injecting via syringe and needle or in a cartridge which can be loaded into a VetPen. It can be ordered online or over the phone when you require more. As with any medication for a chronic condition, your vet will need to have seen your cat for the recommended examinations and blood tests in order to dispense the insulin.
What is the prognosis for a diabetic cat?
With correct management and monitoring of the condition, diabetic cats can live for prolonged period of time with a very good quality of life. Caring for a diabetic cat, whilst rewarding, is understandably stressful due to the time and financial commitment involved. It is important for owners to speak to their veterinary team if they are struggling with any aspect of treatment.
Can diabetic cats go into remission?
It is uncommon, but in certain cases treatment for diabetes can lead to resolution of the condition, normally within the first six months of treatment. This normally occurs in cases where the factors that pre-disposed the patient to diabetes (such as previous medications or obesity) have resolved.
Call us on 01435 864422 if you think your cat may be showing signs of diabetes or book a health check via our online booking system.
