About Feline Diabetes & Steroids

Diabetes--whether in people or cats--is condition affecting glucose or blood sugar. Basically the insulin in the body is not able to properly balance glucose levels.

  1. What is Diabetes?

    • Diabetes can be a life long condition or have a gradual onset over years. There are two types of diabetes. In type 1, according to FelineDiabetes.com, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. In type 2, the body does not respond as it should to insulin. Both result in high blood sugar levels.

    Symptoms

    • Frequent urination, frequent drinking or excessive thirst, increased appetite, weight loss and lethargy are tell-tale signs of diabetes in pets, according to FelineDiabetes.com. Poor body condition or poor coat is also a warning sign according to PetPlace.com.

    The Cause

    • Diabetes can be genetic. Type 2 diabetes is commonly caused by obesity. Steroids can also play a part in diabetes, according to Cat-World.com. Another site, SugarPet.net, claims that certain steroids actually cause diabetes. A natural pet health site, Natural Pet Care, states that steroids and other medications that are used to treat behavioral abnormalities and skin diseases are risk factors for the development of feline diabetes. FelineAsthma.org also states that long terms use of oral steroids can lead to steroid-induced diabetes.

    Steroids and Diabetes

    • Steroids should be avoided in cats with diabetes, according to YourDiabeticCat.com. One blog, Steroids and Feline Diabetes, did give a glimmer of hope. The blog states that "the form of diabetes caused by steroid use is determined to be a 'transient' form of diabetes that can usually be reversed within a number of weeks if beta cell function can return to normal."

    Diagnosing Your Cat

    • While we cat lovers should look for signs and take note of any changes in our feline friends, your veterinarian will run some simple tests to confirm that your cat has diabetes. Your vet will look over your cat's medical history and check blood and urine just as your family doctor would check you. X-rays and ultrasounds may also be requested if other complications exist, according to PetPlace.com.