High Blood Sugar in Cats

Just like humans, high blood sugar in cats can be extremely dangerous. If left untreated, serious medical conditions can result from high blood sugar in cats -- even fatal ones. It is important that you take your cat to the vet the moment you notice signs of high blood sugar and have it checked for diabetes so you can begin treatment right away.

  1. Types

    • 50-75% of diabetic cats have Type I, Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, while 25-50% have Type II, Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.
      Secondary diabetes mellitus is caused by a disease that affects the body's ability to react to insulin.
      Some cats have a stress-induced hyperglycemia in which they can rapidly develop glucose levels between 300-400 mg/dL.

    Symptoms

    • Increased thirst and urination. (Polyuria and polydipsia).
      Inappropriate elimination.
      Change in appetite.
      Weight loss.
      Change in walking behavior.
      Decreased activity, weakness, depression.
      Vomiting.

    Time Frame

    • Diabetes is a lifelong condition in a cat, and its insulin needs can change dramatically, so blood glucose profiles need to be checked periodically by your vet.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Insulin works very differently on individual cats, so a doctor must prescribe the appropriate therapy.
      Eating needs to be planned so the cat can eat at about the same time insulin is administered.
      Strictly controlling your cat's high blood glucose levels can reduce long-term complications.

    Complications

    • Diabetic nephropathy -- changes in the kidney as a result of diabetes.
      Diabetic neuropathy -- changes in the nervous system as a result of diabetes.
      Infections -- recurrent urinary tract infections are common with diabetic cats.
      Hepatic Lipidosis -- an injury of the liver that can be fatal if not treated aggressively.
      Gastrointestinal Disease -- 30% of cats with diabetes have persistent diarrhea and vomiting, while 50% of cats with diabetes will experience intermittent vomiting.

    Warning

    • Ketoacidosis is a medical emergency for diabetic cats. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or collapse, dehydration and respiration changes. If your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes and is exhibiting these symptoms, it needs to be taken to the nearest emergency hospital.

    Misconceptions

    • Urine glucose test strips cannot accurately determine a cat's glucose levels. These test strips only detect glucose over 260-310 mg/dL, and the normal blood glucose level for a cat is 55-160.