DIABETES SYMPTOMS IN CATS & DOGS
Diabetes Mellitus is a complicated condition caused by a lack of the hormone insulin.
Insulin is poduced by special cells in the pancreas (an organ close to the liver) and is critical in the control and utilisation of blood glucose. Insulin is produced and released into the blood in response to increasing levels of blood glucose, and this allows the glucose to be taken up by cells in the body (and used for energy) and helps to maintain normal levels of glucose in he blood.
If insulin is deficient, blood glucose levels will rise, and the body will not be able to use glucose efficiently as a source of energy, depending instead on other sources such as breakfown of fats.
Diabetes is mainly a diseas of middle-aged cats and older, and is more common in male cats than females. The disease is also much more common in neutered cats and overweight cats - being overweight and leading a sedentary lifestyle are two of the most common causes of an impaired tissue response to insulin (insulin resistance) which is a critical component of the disease.
In rare cases, an inflammation of he pancreas (pancreatitis) can lead to the development of diabetes in cats.
The most common clinical signs of diabetes in cats are:
Increase urination (polyuria) - the increased blood glucose levels mean that glucose spills over into the urine drawing water with it, thus creating a larger volume of urine.
Increased thirst (polydipsia) - to compensate for the water that is being lost through increased urine production
This symptom should alarm you more, considering that the cat rarely feels thirsty, having a poor instinct to do so.
Weight loss - as a result of the inability for the body to use glucose efficiently
The lack of energy intake by the cells can stimulate hunger in the cat, leading to:
Increased appetite (polyphagia) - this is not always present, but in some cats i can be marked
Some other clinical signs can also sometimes arise:
Cystitis, Therefore pain when peeing (meowing, inappropriate urination blood in the urine)
Weakness, especially of the back legs caused by diabetes damaging the nerves (diabetic neuropathy) - this may result in ‘sunken hocks’ (plantigrade stance)
Poor and dull coat.
In severe and prolonged cases in which the disease has not been diagnosed, ocular signs may occur, such as cataracts and even blindness,
In some cases, the excess consumption of proteins and fats in the body due to lack of an energy source result in a complication referred to as diabetic ketoacidosis. In this situation, the cat may become extremely depressed with signs suck as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and collapse. Any signs such as these should prompt immediate assessment by your vet.