Cat Diabetes: How to Treat and Reverse Diabetes Mellitus

Treating diabetes in our pets can be very expensive.  Knowing the facts about diabetes can help to diagnosis our pets early in life and save money on treatments. 

Below are facts, treatment options and common signs associated with diabetes:

Cat diabetes or "Diabetes Mellitus" is a very common disease that can be controlled and even reversed if properly managed.  Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas, which is a organ responsible for releasing insulin.  Insulin is what signals our cells to use sugar called "glucose" for energy.  When insulin is not produced by the pancreas, the body has difficulty using the glucose and starts breaking down other components such as muscle and fats. 

Cats have a very similar type of diabetes as humans called Type 2 Non-Insulin Dependent diabetes.  This type of diabetes is most commonly caused by obesity or pancreatitis which results in insulin resistance.  This means that insulin may or may not be required to control the diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be reversed and the pancreas can start producing insulin if treated properly. 

Diabetes causes high levels of glucose, known as "hyperglycemia".  Hyperglycemia is responsible for causing most of diseases associated with diabetes.  One life threatening disease known as diabetic ketoacidosis "DKA”, is caused when the body starts breaking down fats for energy which results in the production of ketones.  Ketones cause a change in the acidity of the body resulting in ketoacidosis or DKA.   

Why is controlling Diabetes so important?

Bacteria feed on sugar, so increased sugar in the body make it very easy for infections:

Urinary tract infections

Infected cuts

Diabetic ketoacidosis DKA

Increase urination- accidents in the house

How do I know if my pet has Diabetes Mellitus (DM)?

The most common signs to look for are:

Increased urinating (polyuria)

Increased drinking (polydypsia)

Increased eating (polyphagia)

How to reverse diabetes in cats:

#1) Diet- Using a high protein and low carbohydrate diet is the key to helping the body regulate sugar.                            

-Carbohydrates are easily converted into sugar.  Limiting carbs will decrease the amount of insulin needed to control the diabetes and infections associated with high blood sugar. 

-Proteins can be used as an alternative energy source.  Also, since insulin is made from proteins it can help the pancreas to produce the insulin. 

 

#2) Weight management- Weight lose is the best way to stop insulin resistance in cats.  A special diabetes diet is an important part of controlling weight since it is low in calories.  The low carb and high protein diet is similar to the popular human "Atkins diet". 

Insulin treatment for diabetes in Cats:

There are many 2 different types of insulin used for cats which differ in price and effectiveness:

1. Glargine- Long acting human insulin which can be given once daily in some cats. 

2. PZI- Veterinary beef derived insulin. 

Consult your veterinarian for which insulin is correct for your pet.