The classic cat patient suffers from type 2 diabetes. The body no longer responds adequately to insulin. But it needs insulin to process sugar. Without insulin, the sugar stays in the blood, resulting in a deficiency in the organs. In the search for a replacement for the lost energy source, the body is forced to use other substances such as protein or fat.
Without treatment, the disease progresses and the animals can become very emaciated, fall into a coma and ultimately die. However, if treated early, diabetes can actually be cured in about half of the patients.
How is diabetes diagnosed in cats?
A veterinarian can diagnose diabetes through a blood and urine test. As with humans, sick cats must be given insulin. But since no one knows how much insulin the body still produces, it is difficult to find the right dosage. “You have to examine the course of the blood sugar level after insulin has been administered throughout the day,” says veterinarian Michael Frahm from the small animal clinic in Wasbek (Schleswig-Holstein).
The cats can stay at the vet for the examination, where their blood sugar levels are measured every two hours. Those who feel confident can do these tests themselves at home – provided the animal is well behaved. The cat is pricked in the ear and the corresponding value is then read with a hand-held measuring device.
Alternatively, as with people suffering from diabetes, a sensor can be temporarily attached to the cat’s skin to continuously measure the sugar level. “Many cats don’t mind at all,” says Stijn Niessen. The vet can then check on his computer how the blood sugar level has developed over the course of the day and adjust the medication accordingly.
Treatment: Dietary changes and medication
Treatment also requires patience. The diet should be changed to a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet in order to reduce weight. Shops and vets sell appropriate cat food. However, you should not rely on the word “diet” on the food packaging. A close look at the ingredients and a conversation with the vet can help. It is questionable whether the cat will be enthusiastic about the diet food, as animals usually have their own ideas about food too.
The animal also needs medication. For a long time, the only option was to inject insulin twice a day, preferably at the same time each day, to keep the blood sugar level as constant as possible. “This is a big challenge for many cat owners,” says Frahm. “They don’t trust themselves to give the injections.” In addition, giving the medication twice a day means you are very tied to a certain time. If you are on vacation, you have to find someone who can give the animal the injection regularly.
Simpler therapy: syrup instead of injection
Since this year, a much simpler treatment option has been available on the market, namely oral administration. These are so-called SGLT-2 inhibitors, which are also used to treat people with diabetes. The liquid is mixed into the animals’ food once a day. “It’s sweet, most cats like the taste,” says the expert. Alternatively, it can be injected directly into the animals’ mouths.
In contrast to treatment with insulin injections, the new medication does not pose the risk of hyperglycemia. Fewer check-ups are necessary: excess glucose is simply excreted in the urine. However, this new medication is not the first choice for all animals. If the disease is already too advanced, it should not be used, says Frahm.
More exercise for indoor cats
The causes of diabetes in cats have not yet been researched. “As with humans, it is assumed that there is a genetic predisposition in connection with a corresponding lifestyle,” says veterinarian Frahm. Pet owners should ensure that their cats do not become too fat. This is especially an issue for indoor cats, who usually move much less than those who go outside. Playing or hiding treats can bring more excitement into the lives of house cats.
