Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
TWO TYPES OF DIABETES
There are actually two major types of diabetes in animals.
Diabetes mellitus is the disease with which most people are
familiar. Diabetes insipidus is a less common disease involving
water balance in the body.
Hyperglycemia is the medical term used to describe higher-than-
normal levels of glucose in the blood. Although this situation is usually
attributed to diabetes, cats who are stressed will have high blood glu-
cose levels. Truly diabetic cats will have significantly higher blood glu-
cose levels than stressed cats. If there is any question, a blood test that
measures serum fructosamine can differentiate between the two.
Treating Diabetes
If left uncontrolled, diabetic cats will starve to death, but the progres-
sion may take years. Each veterinarian has her own way of treating dia-
betic cats. The choices for treatment are insulin given by injection or
oral hypoglycemic agents (drugs that lower blood glucose by making
cells more sensitive to insulin), along with a change in diet. The prob-
lem with the disease in cats is that cats metabolize some drugs very rap-
idly, and insulin's effects are variable.
Most cats need insulin injections twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart,
to begin good blood glucose regulation. Insulin is given by subcuta-
neous injection, and giving insulin injections is relatively easy if you are
willing to learn.
Although most diabetic cats will require insulin for their entire lives,
some are transient or temporary diabetics, and their need for insulin will
come and go. Even when regulated, diabetic cats should be examined
and have their blood glucose monitored at least every six months. If
there is ever any doubt as to how a diabetic cat is doing, or if the animal
is not eating, it is always better to skip an injection rather than to keep
giving insulin. Too much insulin, or insulin given without food, can
cause hypoglycemia, which can be a life-threatening condition.
My personal experience using oral hypoglycemic agents has been
variable, with effective results obtained after first starting treatment with
insulin. I have had poor success with initial glucose regulation on oral
medication alone. If a cat is doing well on insulin, the treatment is
