How to Detect Symptoms of Diabetes in Your Cat: A Step-by-Step Guide. Diabetes mellitus, a common endocrine disease in cats, occurs when the body fails to properly produce or respond to insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. The main symptoms of diabetes in cats are increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and increased appetite. There are three main types: Type I (complete destruction of insulin-producing cells), Type II (insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance), and Type III (insulin resistance due to other hormones).

Cats most commonly suffer from Type II diabetes mellitus, where cells do not respond appropriately to insulin. The disease is the second most common endocrine disorder in felines, with obese cats over 13 lbs at high risk. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of diabetes in cats, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight changes, and increased hunger, is crucial for early detection and proper management.

Causes and Risk Factors

The most significant risk factors for diabetes in cats include obesity, increasing age, physical inactivity, male gender, and the use of glucocorticoid (steroid) medications . Obesity is a major contributor, with cats weighing 3 lbs or more over their ideal weight considered obese and at high risk.

Other potential risk factors and causes include:

• Certain medications like corticosteroids 
• Pancreatitis
• Hormonal disorders
• Genetic predisposition
• Indoor confinement
• Being a greedy eater
• Eating predominantly dry food
• Certain breeds like Burmese and Norwegian Forest Cats
• Previous treatment with corticosteroid injections
• Being fully vaccinated

In terms of diabetes types, Type II is the most common form in cats, where the body does not respond properly to insulin ². This type is often associated with obesity. Other types include:

• Type I: Complete destruction of insulin-producing cells
• Type III: Insulin resistance due to other hormones

Some studies have suggested that Burmese cats may have a higher risk of developing diabetes in certain countries, but this may not be the case in the United States.

Clinical Signs and Diagnosis

The most common clinical signs of diabetes mellitus in cats are weight loss despite a good appetite, and increased thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria) . Diagnosis involves detecting persistently elevated glucose levels in the blood and urine, as a single blood glucose reading may not be sufficient. A fructosamine test can confirm average blood glucose levels over the past 2 weeks .

The diagnostic process typically involves the following screening tests:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): This can indicate dehydration, anemia, or infection, which may be associated with diabetes.
2. Serum Biochemistry Profile: This measures blood glucose, electrolytes, and liver enzymes, providing information about the cat’s overall health.
3. Urinalysis: This checks for the presence of glucose, ketones, and signs of urinary tract infection, which can complicate diabetes management.

Blood glucose concentrations of 180–288 mg/dL (10–16 mmol/L) are generally considered diagnostic for diabetes mellitus in cats. However, other tests may be recommended to rule out conditions that could contribute to the cat’s symptoms ². Diagnosis involves identifying the clinical signs, persistently high blood glucose, presence of glucose in the urine, and confirming the average blood glucose over 7-14 days with a fructosamine test.

Treatment and Management

The primary goals of treatment for feline diabetes are to restore normal blood glucose levels, stop weight loss, and minimize increased thirst and urination. This is typically achieved through a combination of insulin therapy and dietary management with a low-carbohydrate diet treatment

Treatment involves the following key components:

1. Insulin Therapy:
   • Insulin injections, often administered 1-2 times daily, are a crucial part of treatment.
   • Protamine zinc insulin (PZI) or insulin glargine are preferred first-choice insulins for insulin therapy.
   • Insulin therapy is the most effective treatment, with glargine and detemir insulins associated with the highest remission rates.
2. Dietary Management:
   • High-protein (≥40% metabolizable energy) and low-carbohydrate (≤12% metabolizable energy) diets are recommended.
   • A low-carbohydrate diet, in combination with insulin therapy, can achieve remission rates over 80% within 6 months of diagnosis.
3. Monitoring and Adjustments:
   • Home glucose monitoring is recommended to track blood glucose levels and adjust insulin dosages accordingly.
   • Periodic blood glucose curves, either in the veterinary clinic or using at-home glucose monitoring devices, are recommended once insulin therapy begins.
   • Measuring serum fructosamine levels can assess average blood glucose over the past 2 weeks.
   • Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems, such as the FreeStyle Libre, can be useful for monitoring feline diabetic patients over an extended period. The FreeStyle Libre CGM system consists of a small sensor disc placed on the cat that measures interstitial glucose levels, and a reader device or mobile app that stores the data.
   • It is important not to adjust the insulin dose without consulting the veterinarian, as both very high and very low blood glucose levels can be dangerous.

Achieving glycemic control with insulin and diet within 6 months increases the chances of diabetic remission. However, relapse requiring a return to insulin administration is not uncommon, so regular testing will be recommended by the veterinarian to be to know to how to Detect Symptoms of Diabetes in Your Cat

Monitoring and Complications

Careful monitoring is critical to avoid hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), which is a medical emergency. Close monitoring by the owner and veterinarian is essential, including:

1. Regular blood glucose curves
2. Monitoring the cat’s weight
3. Monitoring water intake
4. Monitoring appetite
5. Monitoring activity level

Potential complications that require immediate veterinary attention include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (uncontrolled diabetes)

Once insulin therapy begins, monitoring may involve:

• Periodic blood glucose curves
• Checking urine for glucose and ketones
• Measuring serum fructosamine levels (average blood glucose over 2 weeks)
• Regular veterinary check-ups

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems like the FreeStyle Libre can be useful for extended monitoring of feline diabetic patients. However, the following should be considered:

• Good agreement between interstitial glucose readings (CGM) and blood glucose measurements, but with a potential time lag
• Potential complications include early sensor detachment, skin irritation, and shorter sensor lifespan
• CGM data must be interpreted alongside the cat’s clinical signs and treatment response
• Limitations of the monitoring system should be acknowledged

At home, monitoring should include:

• The cat’s appetite
• Water consumption
• Energy level
• Grooming habits
• Regular urine testing for urinary tract infections
• Careful monitoring of blood glucose, food intake, water intake, and weight

Prognosis and Remission

Diabetes mellitus, a common endocrine disease in cats, occurs when the body. The prognosis and likelihood of remission for diabetic cats depend on various factors, including the cat’s age, quality of life, diet, and treatment approach. Here are some key points:

• Survival rates are relatively high, with 85% of cats surviving more than 4 weeks after diagnosis and 63% surviving for more than 1 year.
• Younger cats tend to have higher initial survival rates, especially if owners are not concerned about treatment costs.
• Cats with a better quality of life and whose owners are not worried about medication tend to have longer survival times.

Remission, defined as maintaining normal glucose levels for more than four weeks without insulin or oral medications, is achievable in a significant proportion of diabetic cats:

• Approximately 29% of treated cats achieve remission from diabetes.
• Cats fed a commercially available wet (low-carbohydrate) diet have a 3-fold higher chance of achieving remission compared to those on a veterinary prescription diet.
• Of the cats that achieve remission, 62% do not experience a relapse.
• Cats on a commercially available wet diet have a much higher chance of achieving remission without relapse.

Quality of life is generally good for diabetic cats, with 67% of owners reporting their cat’s quality of life as the same as before diagnosis. Factors associated with better quality of life include:

• Achieving remission without relapse
• Being treated with insulin

On the other hand, owners’ concerns about diabetes limiting their cat’s life and worries about medication are associated with a worse perceived quality of life.

While remission rates vary, with estimates ranging from 17-60%, several factors can increase the likelihood of remission:

• Previous treatment with drugs that cause diabetes (which have been stopped)
• Significant overweight/obesity followed by controlled weight loss
• Tight control of blood glucose levels relatively quickly after diagnosis

However, it’s important to note that cats who enter remission may frequently develop diabetes again in the future and require continued monitoring .

Conclusion

Detecting and managing diabetes in cats requires vigilance and a collaborative approach between cat owners and veterinarians. Early recognition of the signs, such as increased thirst, urination, weight changes, and appetite, is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment. With proper insulin therapy, dietary adjustments, and regular monitoring, many diabetic cats can achieve glycemic control and potentially experience remission, leading to an improved quality of life.

While the prognosis for feline diabetes is generally positive, it is essential to remain committed to the long-term management of the condition. Regular check-ups, glucose monitoring, and adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary, as some cats may experience relapses or complications. By staying informed, attentive to changes, and working closely with a veterinarian, cat owners can play a vital role in maintaining their feline companions’ well-being and ensuring they lead healthy, happy lives.

FAQs

How to Conduct a Diabetes Test for Your Cat at Home

Q: What method can I use to check if my cat has diabetes without going to the vet?
A: To test your cat for diabetes at home, you can collect a small blood sample from an ear vein or paw pad. This sample should then be tested using a blood glucose monitor that is verified for use in cats. Some veterinarians might also recommend using a continuous blood glucose monitoring system, which can track your cat’s blood sugar levels over time without the need for multiple blood samples.

Identifying Diabetes in Cats

Q: How do veterinarians diagnose diabetes in felines?
A: Diabetes in cats is typically diagnosed through the analysis of blood samples. These samples can be collected from an ear vein or paw pad and are analyzed using a blood glucose monitor that’s been calibrated for cats. In some cases, a vet might use a continuous blood glucose monitoring system to assess blood sugar levels over a period, providing a more comprehensive view of the cat’s health.

Early Signs of Diabetes in Cats

Q: What are the initial symptoms of diabetes in felines?
A: The primary indicators of diabetes mellitus in cats include increased thirst, more frequent urination, weight loss despite an increased appetite, and generally increased hunger. These symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked, particularly in the disease’s early stages or if the cat spends a lot of time outdoors.

Conditions That Mimic Diabetes in Cats

Q: What other health issues could be confused with diabetes in cats?
A: Several conditions can mimic the symptoms of diabetes in cats, making accurate diagnosis crucial. These include kidney disease, hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), liver disease, and urinary tract infections. Each of these conditions can present with symptoms similar to diabetes, such as increased thirst and urination, making it challenging to distinguish between them without professional veterinary assessment.