What to do if Your Cat is Diagnosed with Feline Diabetes

If your cat is diagnosed with feline diabetes, you experience a variety of emotions from shock and disbelief, to fear and worry. However, feline diabetes is a treatable condition, and with proper care, your pet will live many years with a good quality of life.

If you understand how diabetes works in humans, then you also understand how it works in cats the process is virtually identical. To simplify, when we or our cats eat food, our bodies produce glucose. This glucose enters the blood stream and can be used as energy by our bodies. If we have more glucose than we need, it can be stored in our cells for later use kind of like our own little energy reserves. The key needed to access those reserve cells is the hormone known as insulin. However, the process can break down in several ways. You can have too little insulin or none at all. In addition, the locks on your storage cells can be stubborn, and not allow insulin to open them as they should. In either case, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, damaging internal organs.

The diagnosis of diabetes is done through blood tests. Diabetes may be diagnosed during a regular examination or because of suspicious symptoms. For example, symptoms include unusual thirst, frequent urination, weight loss or a change in appetite can all lead to a diabetes diagnosis and as many as 1 cat in 100 may develop diabetes.

Once diabetes has been diagnosed, you and your veterinarian will work together to develop a treatment plan. Your cat will probably need a special diet your veterinarian can help you to choose the correct one. In addition, your cat will probably need insulin. Oral medications are available but dont seem to work well as insulin administered by injection. In this case, youll need to purchase insulin and syringes and learn how to inject your cat.

Your cat's blood sugar the level of glucose in her blood will also need to be monitored. This can be done in the veterinarian's office, but many cat owners prefer to check their cat's blood sugar levels at home because its more convenient, less expensive, and gives a more accurate picture of blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels must be monitored regularly to determine if treatment remains effective or needs changing.

In humans, diabetes leads to a number of serious complications, including coronary artery disease and kidney disease. Fortunately, these complications are uncommon in cats, which are more likely to develop nerve damage and cataracts in their eyes.

The best way to prevent diabetes in your cat is to make sure your cat stays healthy. Cats are true carnivores, and their diets should include plenty of meat and protein and fewer carbohydrates than are found in most commercial cat foods. If you cat is overweight a known risk factor talk to your veterinarian about helping your cat lose weight slowly and safely. If your cat is inactive, talk to your vet and help your pet become more active and fit.