About Insulin Resistant Feline Diabetes

Cats share many of the same health problems as people do, including diabetes. In cats, feline resistant diabetes is also called diabetes mellitus. Just like in people, diabetes in cats is a potentially fatal condition and cannot be ignored. Cats with diabetes need to go to the vet and be under special care for the rest of their lives. Please do not use this article in the place of your vet's diagnosis and advice.

Identification

Cats with insulin resistant diabetes are thirsty all of the time, which leads to urinating a lot. They can never seem to satisfy their thirst. They often have trouble walking, are suddenly tired and usually lose weight. To get an accurate diagnosis, a vet needs to take a sample of the cat's urine and blood. There are usually other tests to be sure that there isn't another complication like liver disease. If a dose of insulin does not lower the blood sugar level of the cat, then that's insulin resistant diabetes. A cat with feline insulin resistant diabetes has far too high blood sugar levels all of the time.

Considerations

Cats of all breeds and ages can get feline resistant diabetes, although overweight cats are more prone. Often, a condition called neuropathy sets in, where the diabetes has damaged the nerves in the limbs. Neuropathy can often be successfully treated.

Misconceptions

It is a myth that any kind of diabetes in a cat cannot be treated and it is better to just put the cat down. Cats do eventually accept insulin injections without much of a fuss.

Prevention/Solution

There are several things that need to be done to successfully treat a cat with insulin resistant diabetes. First, the blood sugar levels need to be evened out. After the cat is stabilized, long term treatment begins. If the cat is female and not spayed, she will be spayed. The cat will need twice daily insulin shots, although some rare cases can be treated with pills instead of shots. If the cat is overweight, the weight needs to come off through diet, regular exercise and portion control. Every cat with diabetes tends to have a distinct treatment program to manage the diabetes.

Warning

Treatment is expensive. Sometimes cats with diabetes are euthanized or surrendered to animal shelters just because the owners will not or cannot pay for treatment.