Diabetes in cats: causes, symptoms, and treatment

Diabetes in cats is a hormonal condition that causes our cat to lack insulin or not respond to it. The causes that can lead to a case of diabetes in cats are many and include both genetic and acquired factors. Knowing the causes of diabetes in cats, as well as its symptoms and treatment, can help us identify this disease in our best friend preventively. That’s why we bring you everything you need to know if you are facing a possible case of diabetes in cats.

What is diabetes in cats?

Diabetes in cats prevents the cat from producing insulin, a substance secreted by the pancreas that is necessary for the assimilation of glucose into the blood. For this reason, glucose remains in the blood longer than it should, causing its concentration in the blood to rise excessively. When glucose accumulates too much, it begins to be expelled through the excretory systems, specifically through the kidneys. This large amount of glucose in the urine drags fluid with it, dehydrating the cat. For this reason, one of the main symptoms of diabetes in cats is increased water consumption. We should also know that there are two types of diabetes. Cats usually present type 2 diabetes, which combines a lack of insulin production with resistance to it.

Diabetes in cats: causes and symptoms

Although we cannot cover all the possible causes of diabetes in cats, since they are many and varied, we can recognize a series of risk factors. If your cat meets any of the following conditions, you should not jump to conclusions but rather observe other possible symptoms and always consult a trusted veterinarian:

• Overweight and lack of physical activity. Both usually go hand in hand and greatly increase the likelihood of our cat developing diabetes.
• Burmese cats. Among the most common hereditary factors of diabetes in cats are the genetic characteristics of the Burmese breed.
• Other conditions. Some diseases can cause failures in insulin secretion, such as acromegaly (overproduction of growth hormone), Cushing’s disease (excess of the body’s own cortisone), or pancreatitis.
• Male or older cats. Diabetes in cats affects males twice as often as females. At the same time, old age is also a risk factor to consider. On the other hand, the symptoms of diabetes in cats are the same as those seen in humans. We must pay attention if our cat is much thirstier than usual and/or urinates more often than normal. Increased thirst is usually accompanied by an overall increase in hunger. This increase in hunger occurs because the cat’s cells are not able to absorb the insulin from the blood.

Can diabetes in cats be cured?

If you observe any of the above symptoms in your cat, we recommend getting a diagnosis as soon as possible from your trusted veterinarian. An untreated case of diabetes in cats can ultimately lead to pancreatic collapse and sometimes have fatal consequences. Treatment of diabetes in cats helps the pancreas to rest, while promoting the recovery of the remaining insulin-producing cells. At the same time, there are several options on the market that can help us control our friend’s blood glucose levels.

In this regard, OnlyFresh Fresh Chicken for adult cats Weight & Diabetic is a complete dietary food designed to reduce the risks of diabetes in cats, while also helping those that have difficulty maintaining stable blood glucose levels. In this way, it promotes weight reduction (while reducing muscle mass loss), while its high fiber content ensures a feeling of satiety. Help your cat control its blood glucose levels with this tasty, protein-rich food made from the best fresh products.