Diabetes is a disease that occurs in cats due to the inability to produce enough insulin to balance glucose levels. Just like humans, cats need sugar in the form of glucose for energy.  It’s important to treat Diabetes in cats as it can lead to weight loss, dehydration, problems with motor function, and possibly even death. Increased thirst and increased urination are two main symptoms that your cat may exhibit if affected by the disease. Sugar builds up in the bloodstream ultimately causing these types of symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms, a visit with your veterinarian is necessary for a diagnosis. During their visit with the veterinarian, your cat’s glucose concentrations will be tested in both their blood and urine to determine if they’re suffering from Diabetes. Upon diagnosis of Diabetes, the veterinarian will provide a treatment plan that may include a change in diet, use of medications, or insulin injections. In addition, monitoring your cat’s glucose levels at home may be recommended.

The disease can affect any cat of any weight, but it’s most commonly seen in cats who are overweight. This makes it important to keep your cat healthy with a proper diet and exercise. Along with your cat’s treatment plan, a diet of protein and decreased carbohydrate content is ideal for cats suffering from Diabetes. Surprisingly, many dry cat foods are made with starch which makes them high in carbohydrates. Therefore, your veterinarian may suggest switching to a specially formulated food or an all canned food diet. No matter the treatment plan provided for your cat, it’s important to keep an eye on her weight and monitor her symptoms. It’s crucial to maintain routine visits with the veterinarian to evaluate her progress and report any changes or concerns. With the help of their humans managing and maintaining their individual needs, cats can live long prosperous lives with Diabetes.