Basic Facts on Diabetes in Cats

I receive many questions regarding cat diabetes from owners who are looking to purchase our Feline Mellit. Here are some basic facts I found.

Common Symptoms:
Increased thirst leading to frequent urination
Weight loss
Weakness
Depression
Signs of pain in the abdomen
Sudden blindness

Diabetes Mellitus is the inability to control blood sugar level. Insulin, secreted by the pancreas, regulates sugar blood level. When insulin production cannot be controlled, diabetes ensues. This can be due to obesity, genetics, stress, fluctuating hormones, medication, and lack of a nutritional diet. Insulin helps to regulate the blood sugar level by acting as a doorway between glucose and the cells that use glucose for energy. Without insulin, the cells have no energy source. The cells become hungry, and the animal will start to eat more in order to supply more energy to its body. The body goes into starvation mode and starts to use stored fat and protein cells as energy, hence the reason why pets tend to lose weight even though they consume more food. The excess glucose in the blood is flushed out by the kidneys through urination. Because of all the extra water being used to do this, the pet is often thirsty, and will urinate much more frequently. Diabetes tends to be more common in male cats than female cats. Higher risk pets tend to be neutered males and unsprayed females, and cats over 6 years of age. Breed is not a factor.