Feline Remission From Diabetes

Diabetes is a common ailment in cats. It is most common in older, male cats. According to the website Pet Education, male cats are nearly twice as likely as females to develop diabetes. In many cases, feline diabetes can go into remission with proper diet and insulin treatment, keeping the recurrence of disease at bay. For some cats, relapse is possible, requiring sporadic insulin treatment, while others need insulin treatment throughout their lives.

  1. Types

    • According to the website Vet Learn, four types of diabetes can affect cats. Type 1 refers to diabetes with total, life-long insulin dependence. Remission is extremely rare with type 1 diabetes, but it is possible. Type 2 diabetes is defined as insulin deficiency that is relative, often associated with obesity, a lack of exercise and diet high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. Remission is common when type 2 diabetes is treated with insulin and dietary modifications. Type 3 diabetes occurs as a side effect of other illnesses including pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and excess growth hormone disorders. With type 3 diabetes, remission occurs when the causative condition is resolved. Type 4 diabetes is gestational, meaning the cat is born with the condition, and it is life-long with no chance for remission.

    Insulin Therapy

    • Proper insulin therapy can regulate your cat's glycemic index, a measure of insulin and sugar in the blood. Maintaining a steady glycemic index will often stabilize type 2 diabetes and trigger remission, according to the website Intervet. However, improper insulin administration can result in worsened diabetic symptoms and a decline in overall health. Therefore, proper and consistent insulin dosing is an important factor in remission.

    Early Diagnosis

    • The earlier a cat is diagnosed with and treated for diabetes, the greater the chances for remission, according to Vet Learn. The cells responsible for insulin regulation are called beta cells. These cells degrade when a cat's glycemic index is unstable. The earlier the cat's glycemic index is stabilized, the better the chances its beta cells can recover. When beta cells can once again regulate the cat's glycemic index without the need for injected insulin, its diabetes is considered to be in remission.

    Diet

    • A diet low in carbohydrates and high in fiber is recommended for controlling a cat's glycemic index, according to the website Feline Diabetes. Controlling weight and increasing exercise are important factors for stabilizing blood sugar and insulin, and for ensuring the long-term health of your cat.

    Remission Duration

    • Remission can last for years, but feline diabetes is not considered curable, according to Intervet. While some cats may never experience a recurrence of diabetes, the underlying pathology of diabetes remains. This means that once a cat has had diabetes, it will always be susceptible to relapse.