Diabetes mellitus (also called sugar diabetes) is quickly becoming more common in our society. Genetics and lifestyle both play an important role in humans; however numerous processes can and do contribute to the development of this disease. In addition to the rise of human diabetes cases, veterinarians are also now seeing an increase in the prevalence of diabetes in cats.
Dr. Audrey Cook, associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explained how diabetes can affect cats. “With this disorder, the body becomes resistant to insulin and more of the hormone is needed to keep blood sugar within the normal limits,” she said. “Eventually, the pancreas essentially gives up, and clinical signs of diabetes are evident. Although people with Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed with diet and exercise, cats usually need insulin injections. Some cats will go into remission after a few months and no longer need insulin; however, relapse is common.”
There exist several risk factors for diabetes, but the most important one is obesity. Cats often live sedentary lives and that can lead to them becoming overweight. This puts a lot of stress on the pancreas of the cat and can result in diabetes. Other risk factors include a high carbohydrate diet, medications like steroids, and chronic inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis.
“Talk to your veterinarian about your cat’s bodyweight and take action, under medical guidance, if you cat is obese,” Cook said. “Cats can have problems with rapid weight loss, so you need to talk to your veterinarian about a safe weight loss plan before making any changes. The type of diet you feed is also important. Most cats should be fed a high-protein, high-fat, and low-carbohydrate diet. Good routine health care, including regular dental cleaning, may also be protective.”