Caring for your diabetic cat - injectable treatment

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes Mellitus is a serious endocrine disorder that affects a number of cats. In a healthy cat, the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which helps the body's cells use sugar (glucose) for energy.

Without enough effective insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream to high levels. When the blood sugar gets too high, you may notice signs like:

• Increased urination (polyuria)
• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Increased appetite (polyphagia)
• Weight loss

Treating Diabetes with injectable insulin

Injectable insulin is an effective way to treat feline diabetes. The goal of treatment is to control blood sugar levels, resolve the clinical signs you're seeing at home, and improve your cat's overall quality of life. For many cats, achieving good control can even lead to diabetic remission, where insulin injections are no longer needed.

How to give insulin injections

Handling and storage

• Most insulins should be gently rolled between your hands, not shaken.
• Insulin should be refrigerated. Do not freeze it or leave it in room air.

Syringes and administration

• Always use the correct syringe for your insulin type (U-40 or U-100). Using the wrong syringe will lead to a dangerous overdose or underdose.
• The injection is given under the skin, and it's important to ensure the whole dose is delivered. We can demonstrate the technique in clinic.

Risks and what to watch for

Hypoglycaemia (Low blood sugar)

This is the most critical risk of insulin therapy. It can be life-threatening and happens if the insulin dose is too high.

Signs of hypoglycaemia to watch for:

• Lethargy
• Extreme sleepiness
• Strange behaviour
• Weakness
• Stumbling
• Tremors or seizures

What to do:

• If you see these signs and your cat is conscious, immediately offer a small meal.
• If your cat is weak or unresponsive, rub a small amount of honey on their gums.
• Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

DKA is a life-threatening complication that can occur if diabetes is uncontrolled. Signs include:

• A loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Weakness

If you notice these signs, your cat needs immediate veterinary care.

Home management and monitoring

Consistent home care is the key to successfully managing your cat's diabetes.

Blood glucose monitoring

Your vet may recommend monitoring your cat's blood sugar level at home with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). These small sensors provide 24/7 glucose readings, offering a detailed picture of your cat's levels and help to detect hidden hypoglycaemic events.

Revisits

At the beginning, to get your cat's blood glucose levels stable, the revisits will be more frequent, but once they are stable, the revisits may space out to 6 monthly.

Weight monitoring

Stable weight or weight gain are excellent signs of good control.

Diet

Diet is a cornerstone of diabetes management. The ideal diet for most diabetic cats is:

• High in protein and low in carbohydrates
• Wet food is generally preferred over kibble
• Portion-controlled meals are preferred, but this is not essential for all cats.

Water intake

You should notice your cat's excessive drinking and urination improve within the first week or two. This is a good sign that the medication is working.

Managing a diabetic cat is a commitment, but it is very rewarding. With consistent treatment and monitoring, your cat can live a long and comfortable life.

Please don't hesitate to reach out and ask your Animates Vetcare clinic for help if you have any questions.