Diabetes Mellitus is a common endocrine disorder in cats with an incidence of approximately 1 in 200. The major risk factors are old age (7 years or older), obesity, male gender, low physical activity, certain drug therapies, genetic factors and stress due to environment or other diseases. Most cats show signs of diabetes because they are resistant to insulin or they have abnormal insulin secretion. The diagnosis is based on glucose (sugar) in the blood and urine and the clinical signs of drinking a lot of water, urinating more than usual, eating more than usual and weight loss. The goal of treatment is to control the clinical signs while avoiding very low blood sugar.

Treatment

Most diabetic cats should eat a low carbohydrate, high protein diet. Hill’s m/d , Purina’s DM and several commercial canned diets meet this requirement. For cats who will not eat canned food, they may be fed the dry formulations of DM or m/d only. The amount fed should be calculated to maintain the cat’s ideal weight. Obese cats need to loose weight. Multiple small high protein meals slow glucose release and may reduce insulin requirements in some cats. Dry food may be available at all times (but not in unlimited quantities) and canned food can be given three to four times daily. Recent studies have shown that 60% of newly diagnosed diabetics will be able to discontinue insulin and revert to non-diabetic state after changing diets.

Cats are treated with U-40 PZI Vet insulin, which may be purchased at the clinic along with appropriate syringes. After diagnosis an appointment is scheduled to provide instruction in insulin administration and other aspects of diabetic management. Your cat will begin with one unit of insulin in the morning and again in 12 hours. After about seven days of therapy he will return to the clinic and adjustments may be made in the dosage. Insulin is stored in the refrigerator when not in use. To mix insulin, gently roll the vial – do not shake. Use a new syringe for each injection. Needles and syringes should be disposed of safely (sharps containers may be purchased from the clinic and returned to the clinic for disposal).

Monitoring

Water consumption should be monitored and recorded. Blood glucose levels may be measured at home with a blood glucose meter and urine glucose levels may be measured with glucotest media. During insulin treatment you should watch for signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs include weakness, twitching and convulsions. If you notice any of the signs DO NOT administer insulin. If the signs are mild your kitty should be fed his normal food. For more severe signs, Karo syrup should be rubbed inside his mouth and you should call a veterinarian. Any problems should be reported to the clinic.

After 7 days, you should return your cat to the clinic for serial glucose determinations. Please schedule an appointment between 8:00-9:00am and bring your insulin supplies with you. Your kitty should be fed breakfast prior to arriving at the clinic. During the appointment you will give your cat his insulin just as you do at home. The doctor will answer any questions you have and check your cat’s glucose. If the glucose level is still very high, the insulin dose will be increased and your cat will go back home for another week. If the levels are reasonable, he will stay at the clinic for the day for a glucose curve. Blood samples will be checked throughout the day and insulin dosage will be based on these measurements. The time of peak action and the duration of action of insulin vary considerably among patients. A cat’s insulin needs may change with diet, exercise and many other factors. Some cats will be able to discontinue insulin.

It often takes several weeks for a diabetic to reach an acceptable range. Once your kitty has reached that range, he will be checked every 4-6 months. If you have questions or concerns, please call the clinic.