About the Dying Process From Feline Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus often occurs in cats. Just as in humans, diabetic cats have a difficult time processing the energy they receive from the food they consume. More specifically, they lose the ability to break down glucose. High glucose levels damage internal organ structures and, if left untreated, will eventually cause the death of the cat. Common symptoms of diabetes in cats include increased thirst and hunger accompanied by an increase in urine production, weight loss, and dehydration. Treatment is aimed at keeping blood sugar levels as consistent as possible and as close to normal as possible.

  1. Early Stage

    • In the early stages of diabetes, the kidneys will attempt to compensate for the higher glucose levels by a process known as glucose spilling. The kidneys will attempt to remove the excess glucose by releasing more water than normal. The cat will begin to drink more to compensate for the increased urination. Because of the increased demand on the kidneys, these organs will begin to wear out quickly, causing damage.

    Complications

    • As the disease progresses, most cats will develop thick white cataracts that will completely obscure their vision. Additional changes include neuropathy, or damage to the nervous system. This will be apparent as cats will begin to lose feeling in their feet and legs. In many cases, cats will injure themselves and be unaware of the damage, opening themselves up to infection.

    Wasting

    • Even though the cat is still eating, he or she is not being able to utilize the energy being consumed. This leads to wasting. The cat will begin losing muscle tone and weight. Because of malnutrition, the fur will begin to fall out and the cat will begin showing other symptoms of vitamin deficiencies. Many find it difficult to regulate body temperature.

    Hypoglycemia

    • For cats receiving treatment, hypoglycemia is the biggest threat to a cat's life. Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar is reduced to normal levels. This can cause dizziness, disorientation, seizures, coma and death. Cats exhibiting symptoms of hypoglycemia need to be treated immediately by administering sugar in the form of Karo syrup rubbed on the gums and a trip to the veterinarian for monitoring and additional treatment.

    Ketoacidosis

    • A cat with untreated diabetes can develop ketoacidosis which refers to a condition where there is a buildup of ketones in the urine. Ketoacidosis in cats is fatal if left untreated. Kidney failure and liver failure caused by uncontrolled high blood glucose is also fatal if left untreated.