Diabetes is a very serious condition that affects both cats and humans. The disease occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to maintain a normal blood glucose level. Without insulin, the body is unable to use glucose for energy and this can result in a number of complications including kidney failure, blindness, and amputation of limbs.
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1, which is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own pancreas; and Type 2, which is caused by obesity or lack of exercise.
If you love your cat and want to see it live a long and healthy life, then you must take it to the vet immediately if you notice any symptoms at home such as excessive thirst or urination along with weight loss despite being fed regularly. The vet will check its blood sugar levels before making any treatment recommendations.
The current study has evaluated how long can a cat with diabetes live without treatment, using data on a prospective cohort of cats. Data collected included history, physical examination, hematologic and serum biochemical values, and the presence of ketoacidosis. The researchers analyzed the data using hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals to determine possible predictors.
Low-carbohydrate diet
A cat with diabetes should be treated with a low-carbohydrate diet, which reduces the amount of glucose in the body. They may also need to receive regular injections of insulin, usually twice daily at set times. This condition requires frequent veterinary visits for monitoring and other procedures, such as urine tests and physical exams.
Earlier, diabetic cats were often fed high-fiber, medium-carbohydrate diets to slow carbohydrate absorption in the feline body. However, low-carb diets are now recommended by Drs. Bennett and Greco, note that this diet has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity and weight control in healthy cats. The high protein/low-carb diet may also prevent the cat from developing diabetes.
Changing to a low-carbohydrate diet is not an easy task, and some cats will vomit. It is important to slow down the transition. Despite some initial difficulties, many owners have reported success on the Feline Diabetes Message Board.
Injectable insulin
A cat with diabetes may experience seizures, poor coat, and even collapse if it does not get enough insulin or food. These are all indications that the cat may be in danger of dying. Other symptoms of a cat with diabetes include liver enlargement, bladder infections, and vision loss. When these symptoms occur, it is important to take the cat to the vet as soon as possible. The veterinarian will be able to determine the exact cause of the symptoms.
Treatment of diabetes in cats is usually aimed at lowering blood glucose levels without causing ketoacidosis, a dangerous complication. A proper diabetes regimen involves calculating the right dose of insulin. Many cats with diabetes go into remission with the treatment of insulin. The use of glargine insulin has been associated with a higher rate of remission than other types of insulin. Detemir, a synthetic insulin with a long duration of the activity, is also used for diabetic cats. It is important to note that oral anti-hyperglycemic drugs for cats are rarely used as a primary treatment for diabetes.
Treatment of diabetes in cats should aim to control blood glucose levels quickly and to reach the point when a cat does not require insulin therapy. If the glucose levels in the blood remain normal for at least four weeks, the cat will be considered diabetic remission. In some cases, the cat may stay in remission for several months. However, there are many factors that affect the length of remission. Quick insulin therapy and strict adherence to a low-carb diet are key factors in achieving remission.
Diet
If you own a diabetic cat, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible. Your vet will probably recommend insulin injections to control your cat’s blood glucose. In some cases, your cat may be able to regulate its blood sugar levels with a diet that includes low-carb, species-appropriate foods. Regardless of treatment, your cat will need frequent checkups with your vet.
If your cat is able to live for several years without diabetes treatment, you can try switching your pet to a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This is not recommended, however, since your cat may still have other medical conditions that can complicate the treatment.
The most common symptoms of diabetes in cats include an increase in appetite, thirst, and urine. You can also expect your cat to lose weight. When your cat’s blood sugar drops too low, the cell receptors in the body stop working properly. This causes a cat to become weaker, vocalize more often, and even collapse. In severe cases, your cat may even die.
Blood glucose curves
Blood glucose curves for cats with diabetes can be performed by a veterinarian at a clinic or at home. However, the procedure is more effective in the veterinary clinic, where a doctor can oversee the entire process. This test is not recommended to be done outside a veterinary clinic, as there are many variables that can affect the results. To perform the test, small blood samples are drawn every two to four hours for a period of twelve to twenty-four hours. Then, the levels of glucose are recorded and reviewed in relation to the amount of food and insulin administered.
If the blood glucose level is too high, the kidneys will fail to filter the excess glucose from the blood, causing dehydration. Additionally, uncontrolled diabetes may cause nerve damage in the hind limbs. The condition is called “plantigrade” and will typically resolve itself when the blood glucose level is under control.
Lethargy
Cats that are suffering from diabetes have a tendency to be very lethargic. This condition is caused by high blood glucose levels, which overwhelm the kidney’s ability to filter glucose from the blood. This causes high concentrations of glucose in the urine, which pulls excessive water into the urine and leads to dehydration. Additionally, cats with uncontrolled diabetes may develop nerve damage in their hind limbs. This is not painful and usually resolves on its own with proper treatment.
Diabetic cats should be evaluated by a veterinarian to avoid complications. Initially, a cat diagnosed with diabetes should be treated with insulin injections every day. A vet will help train owners on how to administer insulin to their feline patients at home. Moreover, their diet must be modified to provide them with the proper nutrients. This may include special prescription food.
Other signs of lethargy include gastrointestinal disturbances. The cat may vomit or have diarrhea, which will make it less energetic. It will also stop grooming itself as much. The cat may spend a lot of time sleeping and will not play with other pets or chase toys as much.
Vomiting
If a cat with diabetes is given proper treatment, it can live a long life. In most cases, treatment consists of regular insulin injections and special diets. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal in just two to 14 days. In severe cases, euthanasia may be recommended.
A cat with diabetes can develop weakness, flat hind legs, and other symptoms. Elevated blood glucose levels can also cause nerve damage in the hind legs. If left untreated, neuropathy can lead to paralysis. A cat with diabetes may also experience loss of appetite and loss of vision.
Diabetes in cats can be treated at home. In early cases, aggressive insulin therapy can help a cat enter a state of remission. Remission occurs when the cat is able to maintain a normal blood glucose level without insulin injections. The chances of entering remission are higher for cats that have been treated with glargine insulin and are older. However, if a cat does not enter remission within six months of diagnosis, lifelong insulin injections are likely.
Vision loss
If your cat is suffering from vision loss, you should consult a vet immediately. Your cat may have cataracts or a condition called glaucoma. A vet can perform a series of tests to determine the condition. Your vet will check your cat’s overall health and vision and will order blood tests. Tell your vet about your cat’s symptoms and any changes. Your vet can prescribe medications that help reduce pressure within the eye. If the condition is serious, your veterinarian may recommend a surgical procedure to remove the eye. However, most cats can adapt to the condition and keep their vision intact.
Infections of the optic nerve can also cause vision loss. Cats with this condition often have high blood pressure and kidney disease, which can result in bleeding in the eye. A cat that suffers from diabetes is more prone to developing glaucoma, which is the most common cause of blindness. An early diagnosis will allow your veterinarian to treat the eye with a topical medication to control the pressure.
Death
The symptoms of diabetes in cats can be very similar to those of humans. They include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and increased appetite. However, in the early stages of the disease, the symptoms of diabetes may not be present at all. A cat may not show any symptoms if it is being fed a dry diet, or if it has been fed a semi-moist diet.
When the diabetic state in a cat goes untreated, it can result in a potentially fatal condition called ketoacidosis. This condition results from the buildup of ketones, a byproduct of fat metabolism. Ketones have a toxic effect on the brain and other tissues. Ketones in the body can cause severe lethargy, vomiting, abdominal pain, and coma. Other complications associated with ketoacidosis include dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
The most common signs of diabetes in cats are weight loss and increased urination. These symptoms occur when the body’s cells cannot respond to the hormone insulin. As a result, glucose levels in the blood are elevated. To remove this excess glucose, diabetic cats urinate frequently. The increased urination results in increased body water loss, which can lead to dehydration and increased thirst.