Diabetes In Cats: What You Should Know?

Diabetes is a condition in which the body is not able to produce an adequate amount of insulin on its own or the cells that bind to insulin don’t work properly. This causes elevation of glucose levels in the body which is often not used and is converted into fat. Insulin works in binding glucose in the blood and directs cells when to absorb it to get the fuel for the organs to work properly. However, when there is too much glucose in the blood and too less of insulin, it leads to Type 1 diabetes. On the contrary, Type II diabetes occurs when the glucose levels in the blood increase due to improper functioning of cells which are not able to absorb the glucose bound to insulin properly. Well, there are millions of cats that are suffering from Diabetes across the world which is why awareness regarding this disease is incumbent. Here is a brief insight into how the disease manifests itself and the way it is controlled.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Cats  

Diabetes is a malicious disease and makes the victim fragile from within. A cat which suffers from diabetes experiences –

• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger
• Increased urination
• Weight loss
• Dehydration

In diabetes, when cells don’t get enough fuel (glucose) from the blood due to improper insulin functioning, they become starved and thus the body derives fuels from the fat deposits or through protein breakdown to feed the essential organs. So, no matter how much you are feeding your kitty, if she is diabetic, she is going to stay lean.

Diabetes in cats is a severe condition and when it goes undetected and unaddressed for a long time, it increases the risk of organ failure. Therefore, diabetes requires immediate attention and must be controlled in time as the ailment doesn’t have any cure.

Diagnosis of Diabetes in Cats

Diagnosis of diabetes is made by measuring the concentration of glucose in the blood and the urine. The vet also examines other clinical signs like weight loss, frequent urination, etc for the affirmation. Other than that, sometimes the concentration of fructosamine are also checked for accurate diagnosis of diabetes as some cats may have increased glucose levels in the blood due to anxiety or stress.

Treatment/ Control for Diabetes in Cats

Cats that suffer from diabetes are treated by giving insulin injections. Insulin therapy is highly beneficial to control the spiked levels of glucose in the blood, so it can be appropriately distributed to various organs. Other than that, a low carbohydrate diet is recommended for diabetic cats as it helps to keep the glucose levels in the blood under control.

It is only through a high-quality life that a cat with diabetes can survive for long, therefore, one must put efforts to apprise themselves of how they can improve their cat’s living by bringing necessary changes advised by their veterinarians.