Hervey Foundation

As our feline companions start to age, we begin to become more concerned with the different disease processes that they can become afflicted with. Kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid problems and diabetes mellitus are a few of the more common ailments.

Each of us, concerned about our aging pet, desperately want to try and provide them with the best care possible However, in the case of diabetes, we are faced with a treatment that can drastically affect our lifestyle. Financial as well as time commitments become a reality when a diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed.

How are we going to deal with these commitments ?
Diabetes mellitus can be categorized into two different types:
Type 1 Diabetes is a disease where the pancreas is destroyed resulting in the lack of production of insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes can result from the body’s cells no longer having the receptors to respond to the insulin being produced by the pancreas or Impaired secretion of insulin from an otherwise functioning pancreas.

Depending on the cause of Type 2 Diabetes, the patient may or may not respond to insulin therapy. Although dogs tend to have Type 1 diabetes (destruction of the pancreas), cats may in fact be Type 1 or Type 2 diabetics.
Insulin is responsible for the transportation of sugar (glucose) into the cells, thus providing those cells with nourishment and fuel to perform their function.
Regardless of which type of Diabetes the patient has, the end result is that the cells are not provided with the fuel they need to continue functioning. Since individual cells grouped together make up the organs of the body, when they are starved of fuel the organs begin to starve and eventually fail. It is extremely important to intervene and appropriately treat our diabetic patient.

Just like in the human patient, the feline diabetic usually begins to show signs of increased thirst, increased urination and weight loss despite an increased appetite.

Although any cat may acquire diabetes, overweight male cats greater than 8 years old tend to dominate the diabetic population. Once suspicions arise that your cat may be suffering from diabetes, a complete physical examination, blood profile, and urine test should be performed by your veterinarian (approximate cost $140-$180).

Once the diagnosis is made, now comes the ultimate decision on whether to treat your feline friend. Although oral medications, used commonly in human diabetes, are available to help decrease the blood sugar, owners should be advised that they tend not to be as effective as they are in humans. Therefore, this mode of therapy should be reserved for newly diagnosed and healthy patients.

The most common and effective treatment is insulin therapy. Although insulin therapy itself is not cost prohibitive (insulin ranges from approximately $10-$25 per month needles approximately $.50 per day), the fear of injections and a time commitment are two of the realities that need to be addressed.

To administer insulin to your cat is really not that difficult. A very small gauge needle is used, and the insulin is administered under the skin in a number of different areas. Most cats do not even realize that the injection is taking place.

Your veterinarian will determine the insulin type and ideal feeding and insulin administration schedule for your particular cat. Dietary changes to an excellent quality low carbohydrate high protein canned product aids in regulation. Although usually started on once a day therapy, most cats require insulin twice a day. In order to properly regulate your cat, he or she will be required to go back to your veterinarian every few weeks for glucose curves. This involves taking small samples of blood throughout the day, and measuring the blood sugar (approximate cost $50-$100 per curve), This information is used in determining the dose, frequency, and type of insulin required. Sometimes it is difficult to regulate an individual patIent and it may take numerous visits to your veterinarian.

Do not get frustrated. Just as in human medicine, these repeated visits are helping to establish the best regime for your cat. Options for home testing are available, and should be discussed with your veterinarian. Once regulated, your cat should still get his/her blood sugar checked every 3-6 months to ensure a healthy and happy life.

Doctor Tammy Wilde
Tudor Glen Vet Clinic

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