Feline diabetes is also commonly known as feline sugar diabetes and affects approximately 1 out of every 400 felines. This condition is caused by inadequate production of insulin by the beta cells in the pancreas or poor response of the cells to insulin. As you may know, insulin is secreted by the pancreas directly into the circulation. It acts upon cell membranes, enabling glucose to enter the cells, where it is utilized for energy. Without insulin, the body can't utilize glucose, thus leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Once excessive blood sugar is recognized the kidneys slam into high gear to eliminate the excess glucose; producing frequent urination. This leads to excessive thirst in felines with diabetes. Additionally, your feline will initially make an attempt to offset excessive blood glucose levels by eating more food. Later, as the damaging effects of feline diabetes set in a dramatic drop in appetite will occur.
In summary, the early stages of feline diabetes are:
* Frequent urination
* Excessive water consumption
* Increase in appetite followed by a drop in appetite
If left untreated or if treatment is unsuccessful a myriad of symptoms (some serious) will become apparent.
These would include:
* Bad breath
* Loss of appetite
* Vomiting
* Weakness
* Dehydration
* Labored breathing
* Fatigue
You may have noticed that cataracts are not listed above. This is because unlike dogs cats rarely develop cataracts. Also, another indication of feline diabetes is walking down on the hocks instead of up on the toes.
In summary, early recognition of feline diabetes (feline sugar diabetes) is very important. If you fell your feline may be exhibiting symptoms you should waste no time in having it checked out. Your veterinarian will likely require a blood and urine sample to confirm your suspicions. Once confirmed you will be faced with a number of treatment options including dietary management, prescription medications, insulin injections, or natural treatment alternatives. A combination of diet modification combined with daily insulin injections is the treatment option most likely to be suggested. For mild cases many pet owners are opting for a natural treatment option for feline diabetes. These all natural formulas can be used both as a primary or supplemental treatment and are very safe.
Once excessive blood sugar is recognized the kidneys slam into high gear to eliminate the excess glucose; producing frequent urination. This leads to excessive thirst in felines with diabetes. Additionally, your feline will initially make an attempt to offset excessive blood glucose levels by eating more food. Later, as the damaging effects of feline diabetes set in a dramatic drop in appetite will occur.
In summary, the early stages of feline diabetes are:
* Frequent urination
* Excessive water consumption
* Increase in appetite followed by a drop in appetite
If left untreated or if treatment is unsuccessful a myriad of symptoms (some serious) will become apparent.
These would include:
* Bad breath
* Loss of appetite
* Vomiting
* Weakness
* Dehydration
* Labored breathing
* Fatigue
You may have noticed that cataracts are not listed above. This is because unlike dogs cats rarely develop cataracts. Also, another indication of feline diabetes is walking down on the hocks instead of up on the toes.
In summary, early recognition of feline diabetes (feline sugar diabetes) is very important. If you fell your feline may be exhibiting symptoms you should waste no time in having it checked out. Your veterinarian will likely require a blood and urine sample to confirm your suspicions. Once confirmed you will be faced with a number of treatment options including dietary management, prescription medications, insulin injections, or natural treatment alternatives. A combination of diet modification combined with daily insulin injections is the treatment option most likely to be suggested. For mild cases many pet owners are opting for a natural treatment option for feline diabetes. These all natural formulas can be used both as a primary or supplemental treatment and are very safe.
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