Copyright © 2000-2003 Daisy's Universe. All Rights ReservedDiabetes is a loss of control of the amount of sugar in the blood - a cat with diabetes will have a very high concentration of sugar in the blood and urine.
There are two types of diabetes: The first is called insulin-dependent diabetes, in which the pancreas fails to produce enough of the hormone insulin to regulate blood-sugar levels; the other form of the disease occurs when the body does not respond properly to the insulin the pancreas produces.
Fat cats are more susceptible for getting diabetes, which is another reason that preventing obesity is so important.
Cats with diabetes may appear to be losing weight while eating actively. They will also drink and urinate more freguently in large volumes. You may notice your cat's urine is more "sticky," like sugar water, as a result of the high sugar content.
In more advanced cases, cats can become acutely ill, even comatose. Any markedly depressed cat should be considered potentially very ill, and veterinary care should be sought immediately.
Sometimes, medications can help to control the blood sugar level. In most cases, though, you will need to give insulin injenctions to your kitty. Your veterinarian will demonstrate giving injenctions and discuss how you will together monitor your cat's progress and medication needs and responses; this diatery will help you and your veterinarian better control your cat's diabetes.
Some cases of diabetes can be cured by finding and treating other diseases that are making the cat's system more resistant to insulin. Some cats will recover permanently from diabetes.
