Feline Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide

Feline diabetes is a complex yet increasingly prevalent condition affecting our beloved furry companions. Understanding its intricacies is crucial for effective management and improving the quality of life for our feline friends. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the nuances of feline diabetes, from its causes and symptoms to its treatment and prevention strategies.

 Feline diabetes, similar to diabetes in humans, occurs when the body fails to regulate blood sugar levels properly. The primary culprit behind this dysfunction is insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to utilize insulin effectively. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it’s used for energy.

If you’ve ever felt like getting the diabetes diagnosis for your baby is too big, too confusing or just downright overwhelming to tackle on your own, then this blog post is for you.

It’s doable.

First step is understanding the disease and how you got here

Several factors can contribute to the development of diabetes in cats. These include genetic predisposition, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, age (older cats are at higher risk), and certain medical conditions such as pancreatitis. Male cats and those with other hormonal disorders are also more susceptible.

Early detection of diabetes is crucial for prompt intervention. Common symptoms include increased thirst and urination, sudden weight loss despite a hearty appetite, lethargy, poor coat condition, and even changes in behavior. If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian for proper evaluation.

Managing Care

Managing feline diabetes revolves around controlling blood sugar levels and addressing underlying factors contributing to the condition. This often includes insulin therapy, administered via injections under the skin. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate insulin type, dosage, and frequency based on your cat’s individual needs. Additionally, dietary modifications, weight management, and regular exercise play pivotal roles in treatment.

Regular monitoring is essential to track your cat’s response to treatment and make necessary adjustments. This may involve periodic blood glucose testing at home or through veterinary visits. With proper management, many diabetic cats can lead happy, fulfilling lives. However, untreated or poorly controlled diabetes can lead to complications such as ketoacidosis, neuropathy, and even organ damage.

Once you and your veterinarian figure out the best food and insulin dose it’s important to closely monitor your kitty for the first few weeks. Insulin is pretty powerful stuff and too little is way better than not enough. If you are able to test your kitty, excellent, start testing early and often. If you are having trouble there are a few suggestions that can help.

1. Glucose Curve with your Veterinarian: Your vet will monitor kitty’s blood sugar for an entire day. While this option can be helpful, it may not always be 100% accurate. The stress of being at the vet’s may skew kitty’s blood sugar readings.
2. Lifestyle Libre Sensor: A sensor can be purchased at Costco or other pharmacies with your Vet’s prescription. We suggest having your vet complete the application. Once it is in place, you have 2 weeks to get as many readings as you’d like.  (We will post another article about creating your own glucose curve charts).
3. Fructosamine test: We highly recommend testing every 3 months. It gives a baseline for glucose during that time.

When administering the insulin the best sites are the scruff of the neck or the flank just above the front legs. Do your best to change up the injection site so there is no scar tissue build up. I usually wait until she starts munching and then give her the shot. If you accidentally miss, or kitty moves & you’re not sure if she got enough insulin, don’t administer more. Chances are that she did get some and if you give her more she will be in danger of a sugar crash.

Be prepared with a home kit that includes the necessities 

Make sure you have everything you need on hand for daily management and safety nets in case of an emergency. If you are a lucky cat parent and are able to do blood tests at home, keep your testing kit handy. When Pez was first diagnosed, purchasing insulin was complicated. I had to have a compounding pharmacy complete my request. Nowadays, things are much easier.  An insulin pen is the smallest amount you can purchase and proves to be the most economical. There is a pad on the pen, through which you can draw your insulin. The needles I opt for have additional fine lines, since insulin amounts are pretty small and can be difficult to read. A little goes a long way. Make sure to keep it in the refrigerator.

Shopping list:

• Insulin: Lantus (Glargine- generic) 
• Syringes: 30G 3CC 5/16″   
• Blood Glucose Testing Meter Kit 
• Wet Food: Fancy Feast (Classic Flavors) 
• Broths: Fancy Feast Grain Free
• Pure Bites 
• Karo Syrup

What to do if your cat has a blood sugar crash- telltale sings and treatment

These signs can be conducive to a blood sugar crash. These are symptoms I see in Pez, your kitty may have additional or different signs. If you are concerned, the first step I would recommend is to check her blood sugar. 

If you’ve determined that she is having a sugar crash

A diabetic cat sugar crash, also known as hypoglycemia, occurs when blood sugar levels drop to dangerously low levels. This can be a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Here’s what you should do if you suspect your cat is experiencing a sugar crash:

1. Recognize the Signs: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of hypoglycemia in cats, which may include weakness, disorientation, trembling, seizures, lack of coordination (trouble jumping or using hind legs), drooling, excessive hunger, or even coma in severe cases.

2. Check Blood Glucose Levels: If you have a glucose monitoring kit at home, test your cat’s blood sugar levels to confirm hypoglycemia. However, if you’re unsure or don’t have a glucose monitor, proceed with treatment immediately.

3. Administer Honey or Karo/ Corn Syrup: If your cat is conscious and able to swallow, rub a small amount of honey or corn syrup onto their gums. This provides a quick source of glucose to raise blood sugar levels. Be careful not to administer too much, as you don’t want to cause choking. 

   -Guys! *Update* Karo Syrup is a necessary evil. It will do the trick if you can get it into her system. I don’t know why it took so long to figure this out, but create sugar water – equal parts karo and water and heat up to dissolve. Once it cools, pack your syringe. Feed it slowly to kitty, so she doesn’t choke. This will minimize the sticky fur and unhappy following days. 

4. Offer Food: If your cat is alert enough to eat, offer a small meal or a high-carbohydrate treat, such as a spoonful of wet cat food, broth pouch or a some dry kibble. This helps stabilize blood sugar levels over time.

5. Contact Your Veterinarian: Even if your cat’s symptoms improve after administering honey or food, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian immediately for further guidance. They may advise you to monitor your cat closely at home or recommend bringing them in for evaluation and possible treatment adjustments. Many clinics have Vet Technicians on staff who are able to answer questions or concerns you may have after regular business hours. 

6. Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on your cat’s condition for any signs of improvement or worsening. If symptoms persist or recur, seek veterinary care immediately.

7. Prevent Future Episodes: Work closely with your veterinarian to prevent future sugar crashes by adjusting your cat’s insulin dosage, diet, and management plan as needed. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen are essential for managing feline diabetes effectively.

Remember, hypoglycemia can be life-threatening if left untreated, so swift action is crucial. Always prioritize your cat’s safety and well-being by seeking veterinary assistance whenever necessary.

Prevention

While not all cases of feline diabetes are preventable, certain measures can help reduce the risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise, scheduling routine veterinary check-ups, and promptly addressing any health concerns.

Conclusion 

Feline diabetes is a manageable yet serious condition that requires diligence and proactive care. By understanding its intricacies, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing appropriate management strategies, we can enhance the well-being and longevity of our feline companions. Remember, early detection and intervention are key to providing the best possible outcome for diabetic cats.