The Basics of Diabetes

Diabetes is a fairly common feline disease. The predisposing factors are not fully understood. Obesity and treatment with cortisone seem to be two common predisposing factors. Usually cats remain diabetic for life, requiring daily monitoring and treatment. Most cats respond to proper treatment and return to a happy, healthy state.  Occasionally, cats will revert to a normal, non-diabetic state with time. This handout is intended to help you understand diabetes and give you guidelines for monitoring and treating your pet.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Insulin is the hormone that allows the body to utilize the energy (calories) in food. You may have noticed your cat eating ravenously yet losing weight. Without insulin, she/he is unable to get the calories out of food. You may also have noticed her/him drinking more and making the litter pan much wetter.  These are classic signs of diabetes and will be important things for you to monitor during treatment. As the insulin treatment begins to take effect, you will notice water consumption decreasing and the litter pan becoming less soaked.

Once your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, the veterinarian will prescribe insulin for you to administer to your pet. You will receive either an insulin pen and needles or insulin and syringes from us when you pick up your cat. The pen is easier to use and more accurate than a traditional insulin syringe, but is also more expensive. The pen will last quite a while since you will be giving a fairly small amount of insulin. You will also receive prescriptions for more insulin pens and needles (or insulin and syringes), which are both purchased at a pharmacy. You will need to purchase your supplies within a week since we only dispense enough for this amount of time.

Before you leave the hospital with your pet, you will be instructed on how to properly perform the injections. You will also learn how to monitor your pet's response to the insulin, which will help determine her/his final insulin dose. With a little practice and time, treating your pet's condition will become a routine matter.

There are some important guidelines you should understand before you begin treating your cat with insulin.  First, be sure your cat is eating before you administer the insulin.   If the bowl is untouched or she/he doesn’t eat when offered food, do not give the insulin. Without food for the insulin to work on, your pet may develop dangerously low blood sugar, a condition called hypoglycemia. It is much safer to skip the shot. Give the normal dose at the next scheduled time, provided your cat is eating. Do not give extra insulin to "make up" for the skipped shot.

Hypoglycemia can occur if you accidentally give too much insulin, or if you give insulin and your cat hasn't eaten. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include lethargy and disorientation, "glazed" eyes, staggering and appearing drunken. The most severe reactions include seizures. If your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms, rub a finger-full of honey or Karo Syrup in her/his gums. The sugar will help to bring your cat's blood sugar back to normal levels.

If your pet exhibits mild signs of hypoglycemia, such as lethargy, you usually do not need to take her/him to the veterinarian. Administer the sweet solution and observe her/his behavior closely to see if it is returning to normal. Call us if you are not sure what to do next. Be sure your cat is eating normally before giving any more insulin. If your cat has a seizure or is acting very strangely, you may want to use something like a toothbrush to apply the sweet solution. Cats in this state are disoriented and may unintentionally bite. If your cat does not rapidly return to normal, bring your pet to our hospital or go to the emergency hospital after administering honey or Karo syrup. She/he may need to be hospitalized and monitored until s/he recovers.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/
A web site run by others with diabetic cats.