Diabetes is a very common disease that effects cats.
The most common type of diabetes effecting cats is Type 2 which is known as Non-Insulin Dependent diabetes.
This is the same type of diabetes that humans usually contract due to becoming overweight.
Obesity can impair the pancreas from producing insulin.
Insulin is needed to tell our cells that they can use the glucose (sugar) in our blood for energy.
Without insulin, blood glucose will raise very high which can cause many problems.
When the blood sugar increases to high enough levels, it can cause the body to be more susceptible to infections.
High blood sugar also causes increased urinating and drinking due to excessive glucose in the blood.
The most dangerous part of diabetes is that it can cause Diabetic ketoacidosis known as "DKA".
When diabetic cats are not being given insulin the body cannot use the glucose, so it searches for other things to use as energy.
The first thing that happens is the body starts mobilizing fat to use as energy.
The fats release a waste product called ketones when they are used.
Ketones are very acidic and cause the body to become very ill which will result in death if not treated with insulin promptly.
This causes ketoacidosis and usually causes animals to start vomiting and become unable to walk from severe sickness.
Luckily, diabetes can be treated and even reversed in cats.
The first line of treatment is weight lose and diet.
By losing weight it will allow the pancreas to start releasing insulin so the body can begin to use sugar again.
Next is diet, in cats using a high protein low carbohydrate diet is most important.
Since Carbohydrates become sugars you can reduce them, which places less stress on the pancreas.
Proteins are used to make up insulin and will help the body produce the insulin.
There are many prescription diets for diabetic cats that can be purchased from your veterinarian.
Insulin therapy is the mainstay of treatment for diabetic animals and humans.
There are many different types of insulin which are sold for cats.
There is a variety of differences in veterinary opinions for which are best for cats.
Insulin can be purchased cheap from online companies or at discount human pharmacies.
Having yearly examinations by your veterinarian is the best way to catch diabetes before it becomes an emergency.
There are some subtle signs that should be watched for such as increased urinating and increasing drinking.
This is a good indicator that your pets may be at risk for diabetes and a veterinary exam should be scheduled.