About Feline Diabetes & Injectable Steroids

Identification

• There are two types of diabetes in cats. Type I occurs when the cat's body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin. Approximately 50 to 70 percent of all cat's diagnosed with diabetes, have this form. Type II diabetes occurs when the cat's body produces enough insulin, but it is not allowed to be utilized by the body. Type II diabetes occurs in approximately 30 percent of cats diagnosed with the disease.

Causes

• Diabetes can occur in middle-aged to older cats (9 to 11 years of age). Diabetes occurs most often in neutered male cats. Cats may develop juvenile diabetes, which occurs in cats less than one year old.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of diabetes in cats may include increased thirst, increased urination, poor coat, weight loss, lethargy, and weakness in the rear legs.

Treatments

• Injectable steroids, known as glucocorticoids, are not recommended for use in the treatment of feline diabetes. In fact, the use of glucocorticoids may increase a cat's risk of developing diabetes because it may antagonize insulin. The recommended treatment for diabetes in cats is weight management, diet restrictions and insulin use.

Considerations

• If your cat is showing signs of diabetes, or is at an increased risk of developing the disease due to obesity or the use of injectable steroids, consult your veterinarian. Proper diagnosis and treatment is the key to a long and happy life for cats with diabetes.