A brief introduction to managing diabetes mellitus in cats
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine (hormonal) disease in which the body is unable to produce sufficient or utilise insulin well.
What are some signs of Diabetes in Cats?
- Increased drinking
- Increase urinating
- Increased appetite (continuously asking for more food)
- Sudden / drastic weight loss
- Lethargy
- Unkempt / greasy coat
- Low hindlimb stance, called a ‘plantigrade stance”
What are some risk factors?
- Obesity
- Middle to older aged cats
- Inactivity, low energy levels
- Diets high in carbohydrate high fat content, low protein content, and low moisture levels
- More often seen in male than female cats
- Glucocorticoid therapy such as long term steroid use
There are certain concurrent medical conditions or infections that may make your cat more susceptible to Diabetes such as hyperthyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, or pancreatitis.
Management of diabetes:
Management of Diabetes in cats focuses on controlling blood sugar and addressing your cat’s underlying risk factors through twice daily insulin injections given under the skin, preferably 12 hours apart. This is usually a lifelong medical treatment which requires constant monitoring (such as via glucose curves, urine dipsticks, blood fructosamine and clinical signs) until insulin has been adjusted to fit the patient.
Diet will also play an important part in Diabetic management. A diabetic diet is recommended for your cat to regulate protein and carbohydrate content.
Determining the optimal insulin dose for your pet may take several weeks to months, with gradual adjustments based on regular monitoring. Even after the insulin dose has been stabilised, it is recommended to review with your Veterinarian every 3-6 months, as insulin needs may change, particularly during illness or lifestyle changes.
Insulin management
- Insulin given approximately 12 hours apart (twice a day), around the same time each day
- Given around meal time
- Insulin vials are recommended to be stored at the door of your refrigerator (recommended 2-8°C). Freezing is not recommended.
- Stored upright and protected away from sunlight/light.
- Insulin should be gently rolled in between your palms, as vigorous handling may damage the insulin molecules. If you notice sediments / bright clumbs inside, please seek a veterinarian’s advise, your insulin may need to be changed.
- Accurate dosing as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do speak to your vet if you are concerned regarding how to carefully measure each dose.
- insulin is given under the skin, gently tent your cat’s skin around the region of its shoulder blades, and inject the needle into the skin. Inject, then dispose of the needle. Do rotate injection sites regularly to avoid tissue damage and ensure consistent insulin absorption.
Are there any other alternatives besides injectable insulin? Yes! A once daily oral liquid version is available. Please seek advice from your veterinarian to decide which would be a more appropriate choice for both you and your cat!
Dangers of uncontrolled diabetes:
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Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) - the body produces ketones which acidifies the blood, causing inappetence, dehydration, kidney or liver injury, neurological complications, weakness, or collapse. Potentially triggered by irregular insulin doses, infections from concurrent illness, or stress.
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Hypoglycaemia - this can be caused by insulin dosing errors, a poor appetite, other concurrent illnesses, or even increased activity. Hypoglycaemia may end up causing dangerously low blood sugar, leading up to disorientation, weakness,vision issues, seizures or collapse.
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Chronic complications: poorly controlled diabetes may contribute to reoccurring infections, most commonly urinary infections, neuropathy and others.
References:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://www.rvc.ac.uk/Media/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://www.seniorcatwellness.
https://www.catster.com/ask-