What is diabetes mellitus and why is it harmful?
Diabetes mellitus has many symptoms with the most common client concerns being excessive urination and thirst, and eating while losing weight. Diabetes mellitus is a serious medical condition where your pet cannot control blood sugar levels due to problems with insulin production or function. Glucose is the main energy source that body cells need to operate efficiently. Your cat’s digestive system breaks food down into various parts, including glucose, which then enters the bloodstream.
Insulin, which is made by the pancreas, is a hormone that acts as the “key” for cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. When insulin levels are too low or when the body is resistant to insulin, cell “doors” remain closed and glucose stays in the bloodstream where cells cannot utilize it. The cat’s cells tell the body they are starving, even though there may be high levels of unused glucose in the bloodstream. This is why many diabetic cats are ravenous, and yet continue to lose weight. Because of the vast amounts of glucose in the body, the cat urinates more often and drinks excessively to make up for the increased water loss.
Untreated, the cells will begin to utilize other, less desirable fuel sources since glucose is not available. Without treatment, severe problems, such as liver and kidney damage, and even death, can occur. The good news is that diabetes is a treatable condition, but does require lifelong attention.
There are two main types of diabetes mellitus:
- Type I diabetes mellitus can be regulated by insulin injections (insulin dependent). This form of diabetes is most closely related to the human form of diabetes seen in children where there is a very low or no production of insulin by the pancreas.
- Type II diabetes mellitus is non-insulin dependent and is similar to the human form of diabetes that develops in adult humans. There is a high or normal initial blood insulin level but the body is resistant to the function of insulin. Insulin, diet and other medications may be used to treat this type of diabetes mellitus.
- Cats typically suffer from type II diabetes mellitus.
How will the doctor treat my diabetic cat?
Although there are standard treatment options for diabetes, diabetic cats can be difficult to treat and every cat responds differently to a given treatment plan. After confirming the diagnosis and determining if your pet has any other health concerns, your doctor will most likely begin treatment with a diet change and insulin. The first few weeks will be a learning curve for both you and your cat. Frequent trips to your doctor will be needed to assess how your pet is doing and if any modifications to the treatment plan are needed. Several blood tests may be run at weekly intervals for many weeks to monitor how your cat’s blood glucose levels are responding to the prescribed therapy. The average cat has a blood glucose level of 70 to 120 mg/dL and your cat’s level may be higher or lower. The first few weeks of care will be more expensive and your veterinary team can provide you with an estimate to set your expectations.
What do I need to do?
After a proper insulin dose is decided on, your cat may need only a few trips to the hospital a year to reassess her treatment regimen. An important part of treatment is consistency in timing of feeding and medication administration. Develop a method that works well for your family to monitor when injections were given, how much your cat ate, any abnormal behavior, etc.
Although oral forms of medications to treat diabetes exist, giving injectable insulin usually regulates cats best. Your doctor will go over with you how to properly give an insulin injection and suggest ways to practice before trying your skills on your cat.
Insulin is stored in the refrigerator. Before being withdrawn from the vial, insulin should be mixed by rolling it between your palms. Do not shake it vigorously. Insulin is administered under your cat’s skin (not in a vein or muscle). Pinch and pull up the skin to form a tent over your cat’s shoulder. Give the injection in the middle of the tent. Because the needle is very short and narrow, few cats even notice the injection. Most cats adjust easily to the injections and will even remind their owners that it is time for an injection and food. Caring for a diabetic pet will place some restrictions on your ability to spend time away from home. Your pet must be given insulin or other medications, fed properly and observed every day after meals. Cats will either need to accompany you on vacation or a competent person will need to watch over your cat while you’re away.
Home testing kits available
AlphaTRAKTM glucometers are available for purchase and use at home. Home glucose monitoring can be an important part of long-term management of diabetic cats after stabilization, insulin type and dosage have been established. You can monitor blood glucose readings periodically (daily, weekly, etc.) or you can perform home glucose curves. If you choose to utilize AlphaTRAK, please partner with your veterinarian to learn how to use AlphaTRAK and establish a regular visit schedule for your cat.
What should I feed my diabetic cat?
There are a number of prescription diets geared toward the diabetic patient. Your doctor will help you choose the right diet for your pet based on your pet’s current needs. Diet therapy and weight loss are extremely helpful and critical to achieving good glycemic control. Occasionally cats will go into remission once the obesity is corrected.
What should I be aware of?
Diabetic cats do need to be carefully monitored for signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) such as vomiting, sluggishness, difficulty seeing, disorientation, excessive salivation, and, in very advanced cases, seizures. Eventually most diabetic cats will have a hypoglycemic event and knowing how to handle the situation will lower the stress levels for both you and your cat. Talk with your doctor about methods for quickly boosting your pet’s glucose levels during these episodes. Determine where your local emergency veterinary hospital is in case your pet needs medical attention after hours.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your hospital. Never adjust your pet’s insulin dose without first consulting your veterinarian.