Diabetes in Young Cats

Diabetes

• The hormone insulin controls the levels of glucose and blood sugar in the cat's body, according to Feline Diabetes. Insulin prevents hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
  Two types of diabetes exist, according to Cornell University: insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent. With the former, the body produces no insulin. With the latter, the body produces insufficient insulin. Because outside factors can contribute to non-insulin-dependent diabetes, such as excess weight, it is easier to manage than insulin-dependent diabetes.

Causes of Diabetes

• Insulin-dependent diabetes is usually genetic, typically found in young cats and cannot be prevented. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes often accompanies cats that are obese. An old, fat, male cat is the most likely candidate for diabetes. Obesity contributes to diabetes because the cat's weight reaches such proportions that the body cannot produce enough insulin for the cat's needs or the cat's insulin response is lessened due to the constant stimulation by eating too much. Other factors that contribute to non-insulin-dependent diabetes are diseases such as Cushing's and hyperthyroidism; medications such as corticosteroids and megestrol acetate; chronic pancreatitis; and even geographic locations as seen in cats from Australia and the United Kingdom, according to Washington State University.

Symptoms

• A classic symptom of diabetes is excessive urination due to high sugar levels in the cat's urine and is often accompanied by excessive thirst. Other symptoms of feline diabetes include lethargy, weight loss and increased appetite. Specific to feline diabetes is a sudden weakness in the cat's rear legs.

Diagnosis

• Veterinarians can diagnose diabetes in a cat by checking his blood sugar levels, and through blood and urine tests. Diagnosis is critical as undiagnosed feline diabetes can lead to cataracts, infections and ketoacidosis, where the cat becomes very ill and constantly vomits.

Treatment

• Diabetes cannot be cured but owners can treat their cat's diabetes with insulin therapy. Therapy typically involves injecting the cat once or twice a day with insulin. Dosages are originally set by the veterinarian but often are dictated by the cat's blood sugar levels. For example, a cat that has a sudden blood sugar spike may require extra insulin. If the cat has non-insulin-dependent diabetes, changes in diet are often required to help the cat lose weight. Regardless, a cat with diabetes can still live a long life.