Diabetic Hypoglycemia Complications in an Elderly Cat

Feline hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when a cat's blood sugar is consistently too low. This condition is very common in cats with diabetes. Feline diabetic hypoglycemia is deadly if left untreated, so veterinary assistance and medication is recommended for elderly cats suffering from this condition.

  1. Overall Weakness

    • Your cat may seem weak or tired most of the time. The low level of blood sugar makes your cat feel a lack of energy. While diabetes treatment helps regulate your cat's blood sugar levels, it may take some time for you to get a handle on how much medication is needed and how often. Fluctuations in your cat's blood glucose due to the condition as well as your cat's age result in the weakness.

    Appetite Problems

    • Since your cat's blood sugar levels are low, it may cause your cat to eat more in order to try and regulate the blood sugar level. However, many elderly cats with hypoglycemia also lose their appetites and feel nauseous. Your cat may experience vomiting as a result of hypoglycemia.

    Hypoglycemic Episodes

    • This is a dangerous complication that occurs when a cat is not treated or improperly treated for diabetic hypoglycemia. The cat may become quiet, still and hide or sleep in unusual places. The cat's body temperature drops and it begins to shake or shiver. Staggering, tripping or drunk behavior is common during one of these episodes. Elderly cats are have especially delicate health, so immediate veterinary treatment is necessary to save your cat's life.

    Coma

    • If a cat with diabetic hypoglycemia's blood glucose level drops too low, it may slip into a coma. This is because a cat's brain uses glucose from the blood to function normally. When the level drops too low, the brain loses its energy source and the end result is a coma. This is life-threatening to your cat and a veterinarian must treat the cat immediately.