What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition that develops when your cat cannot use sugar (glucose) effectively and control the sugar level in her blood. Insulin, which is made in the pancreas, is essential for regulating the use and storage of blood glucose. Insufficient insulin production is potentially life threatening.
There are two types of diabetes, and although there is no cure, cats with either type can be successfully managed through nutrition, exercise, and if necessary, regular insulin medication. With the right cat food and advice from your veterinarian, your diabetic cat can enjoy a happy, active life.
What causes diabetes?
A reduction in insulin production is usually caused by damage to the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing the proper amount of insulin to control sugar levels. If your cat's pancreas is damaged, long-term and potentially life-threatening symptoms could occur and must be managed. In some cats hormonal changes or medications can reduce the effect of insulin. Other factors that increase the chance of your cat developing diabetes include:
Body condition: Overweight cats are more likely to develop diabetes. Severely obese cats are most at risk.
Age: Cats can develop diabetes at any age, but the peak onset is around 8 years.
Gender: Diabetes in cats is more prevalent in males
Breed: Burmese are more at, risk than other breeds.
Other Factors: Poor nutrition, hormonal abnormalities, stress
Does my cat have diabetes?
The signs of diabetes are difficult to recognize because they are similar to those of other disorders like chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. If you notice any of the following, it could mean your cat has diabetes.
Signs and symptoms of diabetes:
- Increased thirst
- Rapid weight loss
- Not eating
- Tired, lack of energy
- Vomiting
- Increased urination
* Noted in cats by “clumping” in the litter box and the need to change litter more often
If your cat appears weak or thirsty, frequently urinates, has rapid weight loss, is depressed, or has abdominal pain, she could be diabetic.
IMPORTANT: Once diabetes is diagnosed, it is important that your cat is regularly monitored. Your veterinarian will check your cat’s glucose levels and will adjust medication to keep your cat stable.
Tasty Tips
Establish a routine: The key to keeping a diabetic cat healthy is routine. Feeding, exercise and, if necessary, giving medication should take place at the same times each day. This helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. Your veterinarian will give you advice.
While there is no cure for diabetes mellitus, veterinarians recognize it can be controlled with insulin, exercise and proper nutrition. Fiber is key in managing the disease because moderate to high-levels of fiber lower insulin requirements and blood glucose levels. Fiber also makes the body more responsive to insulin.
Diabetes Treatment: The importance of nutrition
It’s also very important to be consistent in the food you give your cat. The food your cat eats plays an important role in her overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. When your cat has diabetes, it’s even more important to feed the right cat food.
Feeding a veterinarian-recommended cat food with a consistent nutrient profile --- one that doesn’t vary from batch to batch --- will help keep your cat's metabolism level stable so she can stay healthy.
For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your cat’s diabetes.
Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian about Diabetes
- What are the treatment options for my cat’s diabetes?
- Ask how nutrition works with other available options
- Should nutrition be a part of my cat’s treatment regimen? Would you recommend a Hill’s® Prescription Diet® cat food for my cat’s health and management of diabetes?
- What if I have multiple cats? Can I feed them all the same cat food?
- How can nutrition help? What is the benefit of feeding therapeutic nutrition as part of treatment which may include administering pills or shots?
- ,
- What are the pros and cons of using nutrition to help manage my cat’s diabetes?
- How long will I need to feed the recommended cat food to my cat?
- What is the best way (email/phone) to reach you or your hospital if I have questions?
- Ask if you need a follow-up appointment.
- Ask if a reminder email or notice will be sent.
Related products
Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level & beautiful fur. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Related articles
Helping Your Overweight Cat Lose Weight
What is the best food for an overweight cat? Learn all about weight control food for cats, including what's in it and how it works.
Hill's Kitten Foods: A Healthy Choice for Your Kitten
Discover the benefits of Hill's line of kitten foods and how they provide complete and balance nutrition for growing kittens.
Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin
Discover how to identify cat sensitive skin and what you can do to help your cat thrive from head to paw.
Things to Consider When Adopting a Cat from an Animal Shelter
When you adopt a cat, you don't just gain a best friend; you also save her life. Here's why getting a cat from a local animal shelter makes so much sense.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.