Diabetes Mellitus

How do I know if my pet has Diabetes?

If any of the following statements apply to your situation, you and your pet should see your veterinarian for a check-up.

My Pet:

• Drinks a lot of water (more than usual).
• Urinates frequently… or your cat may urinate in places other than the litter box.
• Is always hungry but is still losing weight!
• Sleeps more or is less active (cats do naturally sleep a lot.. but we mean more than usual).
• Walks on it’s hocks (looks like a rabbit).

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes Mellitus, simply put, is a shortage of insulin.

During digestion, your pet’s food is broken down into components that can be used by its body.  Carbohydrates (starches), for example, are converted into various sugars of which glucose is the most important.  Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the blood and provides the body cells with energy.  Glucose, however, can only penetrate most cells  in the presence of a hormone called insulin.  If there is a shortage of insulin, too much glucose stays in the blood and the condition called diabetes mellitus develops.

When blood contains a high concentration of glucose, the so-called ‘kidney glucose threshold’ is exceeded and the kidneys begin to excrete glucose in the urine.  This involves extra fluid loss and the animal therefore drinks and urinates more.  Because glucose is an important fuel (energy source) and is being lost, your pet will eat more and still lose weight.  The condition of its coat may deteriorate.

The above symptoms certainly suggest diabetes, but they are also seen in other diseases.  The diagnosis only becomes definite when glucose is found in the urine in combination with high glucose levels in the blood.  An elevated glucose level in the blood is a stronger indication that the animal is suffering from diabetes than the mere presence of glucose in its urine.

Feeding your Cat when they have Diabetes

Your cat should be fed regularly.  Your pet should always be fed at the same time with the same amount of the same food.   Your cat should be on a commercial, low carbohydrate, high fiber diet.   Your vet can give you advice on selecting a high quality cat food.     This is the ideal way to feed your cat… however, some cats are used to eating small amounts throughout the entire day.  If your cat is used to eating this way, it may be better not to change.   If they are overweight, cats should be put on a diet to reduce their weight gradually.

Expectations:

Once your cat has been stabilized on insulin, your cat’s life expectancy is the same as a non-diabetic cat.

Complications:

The most important complication seen in animals on insulin is a low blood glucose level.  This is a rare complication, but it is important to know how to react if it happens.

This can happen if your cat has been:

given insulin but for some reason has not eaten. abnormally active, which may lead to an abnormally high use of glucose. given too much insulin.

The Symptoms of a low blood glucose level:

• restlessness
• trembling or shivering
• unusual movements or behavior
• muscle twitching
• unconsciousness (coma)

What To Do:

• If possible, provide food immediately.
• If the cat refuses to eat, administer a glucose solution as quickly as possible.  Such a solution can be made from glucose powder and tap water.  (One gram of glucose per kilogram of body weight)   The solution should be poured into the cheek pouch.  Corn syrup can also be used if glucose powder is not available.
• If your pet is unable to swallow, rub the glucose powder into the gums (especially under the tongue).
• As soon as recovery is seen: give food.  
• If your cat’s condition worsens, call your vet immediately.

Important Note:

NO EATING:  NO INSULIN

When your pet has a reduced appetite and eats only half of its meal, then also give half of the daily dose of insulin.  If this situation lasts for more than 2 days, consult your vet.