Diabetes mellitus is an illness caused by the body?s inability to
either make or use insulin, which is a hormone produced and released by
specialized cells in the pancreas. Insulin permits the body?s cells to
take sugar (glucose) from the blood and use it for their metabolism and
other functions. Diabetes mellitus develops when the pancreas doesn?t
make enough insulin or when the body?s cells are unable to use available
insulin to take glucose from the blood.
Type 1 diabetes (referred to as ?insulin dependent? diabetes) occurs
when the pancreas doesn?t make enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes, also
referred to as ?relative insulin deficiency,? occurs when the body?s
cells develop ?insulin resistance,? meaning that they are unable to
effectively use available insulin, or when the pancreas is producing
some insulin, but not enough to serve the body?s needs. Most diabetic
cats have type 2 diabetes. However, many of them still require insulin
for adequate control of their illness.
Because many cats have type 2 diabetes, insulin injections may not be
required in all cases. Your veterinarian may first recommend dietary
changes, weight loss and/or medication to control your cat?s diabetes.
If this therapy is not successful, insulin injections are generally
recommended to control the condition.
It is very helpful to write a medication schedule for your cat on the
calendar, including the date and time that any medications, including
insulin, need to be administered to maintain accurate records. This will
help you avoid forgetting to give a dose of insulin to your cat and aid
in tracking your cat?s treatment.
After treatment begins, periodic blood and urine tests are generally
recommended. This helps ensure that the current treatment (including
insulin dosage) is right for your cat. Your cat?s weight, appetite,
drinking and urination, and attitude at home can all provide useful
information that helps determine if diabetes is being well managed. Your
veterinarian will consider all of these factors when making
recommendations for continued management.
Many cats live active, happy lives once their diabetes is well
regulated. Some cats even go into ?remission,? meaning that they no
longer require insulin. For other cats, insulin therapy must continue
for the rest of their life.
Here are videos with tips on Home Glucose Monitoring:
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