Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus

Species: Cat

Breeds Affected: All breeds (obesity is a risk factor; Burmese cats may have higher risk)

Endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate insulin production or insulin resistance, leading to chronic high blood glucose (similar to type II diabetes in humans). Often develops in middle-aged overweight cats.

• Increased thirst and urination
• increased appetite yet weight loss are classic signs. Owners may notice the cat drinks and pees far more than normal
• has a voracious appetite
• and loses weight. Lethargy
• dehydration
• and a poorly groomed coat can occur if untreated.

Lifelong management is needed. Diet modification to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet helps control blood sugar. Daily insulin injections are the main treatment to normalize blood glucose. Weight loss and exercise are encouraged for overweight cats. Regular monitoring of blood glucose (and possibly fructosamine) is required; some cats may even go into remission with aggressive weight management and insulin therapy.

Insulin therapy (eg, glargine or PZI insulin) via subcutaneous injection one to two times daily to regulate blood sugar; oral hypoglycemic drugs (eg, glipizide) are rarely used; a newly approved oral medication (bexagliflozin) is available for some cats; appetite control and weight loss diets (therapeutic high-protein diets) help reduce insulin needs.

• Columbus Veterinary Reviews , Columbus
• The Veterinary Relief Company , Columbus
• James Herriot Memorial Veterinary Hospital , Columbus
• German Village Veterinary Hospital , Columbus
• East Columbus Veterinary Hospital , Columbus