Given the increasing pet obesity, it may come as no surprise that cases of diabetes in pets also increase. According to the annual report on pet health published by Banfield Pet Hospital, the prevalence of feline diabetes increased by more than 18 percent between 2006 and 2015. Although obesity is the biggest risk factor for the development of feline diabetes, this is not the only one. Even if your cat is not obese, it is important to recognize the clinical signs of diabetes so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. Read on to find out what you need to know about recognizing and treating diabetes in your kitten.
Like humans, cats can develop diabetes mellitus, also known as sugar diabetes, a condition that occurs when the body can no longer properly produce or use insulin, says Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, controls the blood glucose flow, called glucose, to the body's cells to provide energy. Without sufficient insulin levels, glucose will not reach the cells as they should. Instead, the body begins to break down fat and protein cells to use them for energy purposes, while unused glucose accumulates in the bloodstream in excessive quantities.
As with humans, there are two types of diabetes in cats - insulin-dependent or type I, where the body can no longer produce insulin, and not insulin-dependent, or type II, where the body can not produce insulin in sufficient quantity, or the organs and tissues have become insulin resistant, which means they need an above average amount of insulin to properly handle glucose. The onset of type I diabetes in cats is rare, according to VCA Hospitals.
How do cats develop diabetes?
While the exact cause of cat diabetes is unknown, obese cats are most likely to be predisposed to the development of this disease. Other risk factors include chronic pancreatitis and hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism and Cushing's disease. Certain medications, including corticosteroids (such as prednisolone), have also been linked to diabetes. Male cats also tend to be more susceptible to this condition than females.
Health effects of diabetes in cats
Since diabetes causes the body's cells to use energy from fat and protein instead of glucose, cats with diabetes generally lose weight despite a healthy appetite. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to a number of health complications, the most dangerous of which is ketoacidosis. This happens when the breakdown of fat and protein cells becomes so great that your cat's body starves effectively, even though it eats regularly. Signs of this condition include loss of appetite, weakness or lethargy, abnormal breathing, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea. Without immediate intensive care for fluids and insulin, this can be deadly.
Other diabetes-related health complications include liver disease, bacterial infections, unhealthy skin and coat, and neuropathies, which can lead to loss of strength and flexibility in the hind legs. Another complication can occur in the treatment of diabetes - hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar can occur if too much insulin is administered, which leads to weakness, listlessness and lack of coordination, and in some cases can cause convulsions and even coma. If your diabetic cat shows signs of low blood sugar, try to get them to eat. If she does not want or can not eat, Cornell recommends rubbing the gums with syrup and see your vet immediately.
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