What are the signs of diabetes in cats?
Early signs of diabetes may be subtle and mild — weight loss, increased hunger and thirst are examples. Blood and urine tests are necessary to diagnose the disease and most cats (once diagnosed and treated appropriately) live very normal lives. Diabetes develops in about 1 in 100-200 cats 1.
Why are cats more at risk for diabetes?
Perhaps because cats are living longer lives and many cats are overweight, the incidence of “sugar diabetes” or diabetes mellitus is becoming more commonly diagnosed in pet cats. It is likely that cats sharing a home and a lifestyle are equally at risk for the disease.
What are the goals of diabetic cats treatment?
The goals of treating cats with diabetes include: Restoring normal blood glucose concentration (glycemic control) Minimizing or eliminating signs of weight loss. Minimizing or eliminating signs of increased thirst and urination. Normalizing the appetite. Avoiding inducing inappropriately low blood glucose levels with therapy.
Can a cat be diabetic without insulin injections?
With early, aggressive treatment of diabetes, many cats will enter a state of diabetic remission, meaning they are able to maintain normal blood sugar levels without insulin injections.
How old does a cat have to be to have diabetes?
Diabetes, and Type II diabetes specifically, is a very common disorder in cats. The condition is most common in overweight, neutered male cats over 8 years of age, and those that exclusively eat a high carbohydrate diet (which includes pretty much any diet of dry cat food).
How can a veterinarian tell if a cat has diabetes?
Diagnosis. Your veterinarian will diagnose diabetes mellitus by demonstrating persistently elevated glucose levels in a cat’s blood and urine. This testing, along with consistent clinical signs, will lead to the diagnosis of diabetes. A single blood glucose reading in a veterinary clinic may not be sufficient to diagnose diabetes in all cases.
Who is most at risk for type 2 diabetes in cats?
Which cats are most at risk? Diabetes, and Type II diabetes specifically, is a very common disorder in cats. The condition is most common in overweight, neutered male cats over 8 years of age, and those that exclusively eat a high carbohydrate diet (which includes pretty much any diet of dry cat food).
The goals of treating cats with diabetes include: Restoring normal blood glucose concentration (glycemic control) Minimizing or eliminating signs of weight loss. Minimizing or eliminating signs of increased thirst and urination. Normalizing the appetite. Avoiding inducing inappropriately low blood glucose levels with therapy.
