Cat Symptoms of Sickness and How to Detect Early Health Issues

If you are looking for cat symptoms it is always the right idea to keep and try to detect for those unwanted sick cat symptoms in your furry family member, because it is not a very good idea to act like they do not exist.



I think it is safe to say that you know your kitty cat best, and most times if you observe any problems in his or her attitude it very well may be some cat symptoms of some sort of illness. although we do not like admit it, diseases like diabetes can affect house cats just like the human owner. You may uncover that your kitty cat has this sort of disease, if he or she drinks a unusual very large sum of water and urinates all over the place.



Other Sick Cat Symptoms is coughing or choking, if your cat has a foreign blockage in the cats throat that they want to remove. Whereas, a hard fast cough from your cat is fine, you should watch your cat it if it continues for more than seven days. Keep in mind that if this takes place be sure to take your cat to a doctor, it is one of the many sick cat symptoms.



Most sick cat symptoms need to be verified by a doctor or vet. A sick cat symptom like coughing could very well indicate lung tumor, bronchial diseases, cardiac arrest as well as many other issues.



Please, for your cats sake, take these cat symptoms serious.



Problems like tension in the immune system along with the retrovirus is another sick cat symptom of FIV or feline immunodeficiency virus infection. The decrease of energy as well as loss of weight, appetite loss, cat running a fever, are cat symptoms and signs of this harmful disease. Now This can heighten the probability of your cat having leukemia. It is always a good idea with this sort of cat symptoms to take your feline to the vet for FIV testing.



Remember when it comes down to you cats health, it is important to stay aware for sick cat symptoms like you would look for illness symptoms for a loved one. I know you want to provide your cat with the best health care, so trying to notice the sick cat symptoms at the beginning will help you in giving your cat the happy, healthy life he or she deserves to have.

Cat Health Symptoms Of Kidney Disease

Cat health symptoms of kidney problems can lead to serious health issues for a cat. Chronic kidney failure happens to older cats more than it does to younger cats. Cats develop kidney problems gradually over time and usually do not show any signs until it becomes serious. With proper check ups and blood tests veterinarians can find problems before they become more serious.



Causes of Chronic Kidney Failure



Once a cat has chronic kidney failure, they will need special care and treatment. Kidney failure is irreversible and can lead to other health problems. Kidney failure is caused by many different reasons including trauma, bacterial infections, medications, toxins and cancer along with fungal infections and autoimmune disease. Kidney failure may also be due to hereditary or congenital abnormalities.



Some Cat Health Symptoms of Kidney Failure



One sign the cat has a medical problem is inability to urinate. The chronic kidney failure problem may be caused by kidney stones, urethral obstruction or bladder stones. If this symptom occurs, seek immediate medical attention before the problem becomes fatal to the cat. Kidney failure shows no early signs, but as it progresses, sign start to appear.



Another symptom of kidney failure is increased thirst. Because the cat is drinking more water, the urine does not bring along all the toxins in the kidneys, which remains in the kidneys and results in kidney failure. Other cat health symptoms of kidney failure are poor appetite, depression and lack of energy.



Cat health symptoms of kidney failure are diagnosed by blood tests and urinalysis. The BUN levels of a cat with kidney failure will be higher than a cat in perfect health. The Creatinine levels will also be higher than normal, which leads to the diagnosis of kidney failure in the cat.



Treating Chronic Kidney Failure



Treatment of kidney failure in cats requires kidney transplant or dialysis. By the time kidney failure is diagnosed the cat may already have so much damage to the kidney that any type of treatment would not benefit the cat and a decision to euthanize the cat before any more suffering occurs would have to be discussed.



Because every owner wants their cat to live a healthy and happy life kidney transplants have become more popular in cats and has allowed them to live a good life. If a kidney transplant does not happen, other methods of treatment may help the cat such as dialysis, which in most cases does work as it filters the kidneys and eliminates the toxins. This procedure requires weekly visits to a veterinary clinic for treatments, which requires a few hours of treatment.



If the cat has kidney failure a low protein diet helps maintain lower BUN levels, which helps with the metabolic system, but not the renal problems. Proper diets and proper fluid intake requires dedication on the owner's part. If the cat has a kidney transplant, hospitalization and further medications will be required for a successful kidney transplant that functions properly.

Cat Health Symptoms

Everyone loves a cat and that's why they make great pets. Spotting some of the cat health symptoms is not that difficult. They don't need as much attention like a dog, simple to look after, gentle and very loving.



You could be forgiven for thinking they are 'designed' for indoors. They love to be inside. Even in smaller houses, cats adapt well and can be toilet trained in the smallest of spaces.



Although cats are easy to look after there are still a few diseases' which can strike very easily so it is best to know what to look out for.



A common skin disease in cats is ringworm. Your pet may contract ringworm from its bedding or other contaminated objects such as clippers or contact with other infected cats. Luckily, ringworm can easily be overcome with two tablespoons of colloidal silver for a week or a trip to the vet for medication.



And just like humans, some cats can become diabetic. The thought of your cat having diabetes may not seem pleasant but with a little research and understanding, you'll easily discover to look out for. But one thing to take note on is that this condition is not the same as human diabetes so it can not be treated the same. With a little education on the owners part, cats can enjoy a normal life when the right procedures are in place.



One of the more common diseases to watch for is obesity. Initial estimates suggest that over 1 out of every 10 cats is considered to be overweight or obese. The way to tackle this is to regulate the food intake of your pet cat. Don't leave a whole load of food in the feeding dish so that they can have a nibble as and when it pleases them. Try to go for one feed in the morning and one at night.



Another common and sometimes more troublesome problem is fleas. Once these are on the body of your cat, they multiply fast and they won't leave on their own. Fleas can cause your cat to scratch itself excessively which can lead to hair loss and infections. At your first suspicion that your cat may have fleas, treat it with one of the many treatments available to get rid of them quick. Ask your vet for his recommendation.



Urinary tract infections must also be looked for. If your cat decides to stop using the litter tray then this is probably because of a urinary tract. A visit to the vet will be required.



The basic advice is the best. Take your time to keep your pet cat away from any dangers. Don't have any plants which may contain poison in your house or other area your cat may be able to get at it. Small objects like rubber bands or string can be harmful if swallowed so don't leave these lying around. A nice and healthy food plan which is high in protein with plenty of water. Brush your cat every day to prevent hairballs. Your cat will thank you for this one.



You can be great friends with your cat and they will be a wonderful companion to you. By looking out for some these cat health symptoms, time spent with your cat will be enjoyable.

Feline Diabetes - Important Information About Your Cat's Health

Cats have always been one of the most amazing pets in America. They have proven to be affectionate pets, suitable of giving people decades of companionship. Much like various pets, felines can at times get ill. Right now there happen to be a number of distinct varieties of health problems of which cats and kittens may pick up, one is feline diabetes. Feline diabetes is actually a truly serious disorder, despite the fact that this will be able to be managed by your vet.



Diabetic issues is considered much more prevalent with people compared with cats as well as various other animal companions. The actual contributing factor associated with diabetes is essentially rather simple. Sugar, or glucose,will be found within the bloodstream. The amount of glucose levels throughout the entire body or the cat is definitely kept under control by means of hormone insulin, that the pancreas generates. Anytime the pancreas won't manufacture a sufficient amount of blood insulin, diabetes is to blame.



The actual warning signs of feline diabetes may differ. The many typical indicators consist of an increase in urine as well as a serious increase in thirst. Additional signs or symptoms associated with feline diabetes consist of a reduction involving appetite, weight loss, together with a poor coat. A surge in thirst is simple to identify, since anyone will quickly discover the water bowl empty through the day.



In the event that you do not have your kitty taken care of for feline diabetes right away, the cat would sooner or later end up inactive, throw-up on a regular basis, as well as at some point slip into a coma. furthermore,when you get the diabetic issues dealt with in a period of time, the cat will certainly more than likely live a natural not to mention healthy and balanced life. Always keep in mind that healing will not occur right away - this usually takes time along with commitment.



Kittens and cats that get feline diabetes will certainly have to be provided with food at the same time period each day. They must be kept away from going outdoors also. Should your kitty have diabetes, you are going to want to provide him with insulin injections once or twice a day. As soon as your vet assesses your cat, they can explain to you precisely how many shots in addition to just how many insulin shots you will need to administer your cat.



Just before you decide to give your kitty their insulin injection, you will need to definitely ensure that he has a certain amount of food initially. In case he has not had his food and you give him a shot regardless, your cat might wind up with a hypoglycemic shock. That could likewise happen through an excessive amount of insulin too. A hypo could be extremely damaging, and ought to be prevented no matter what. Should the cat get a hypoglycemic shock and you are not available, he could possibly result in perishing.



Whenever you have to give insulin injections to your kitty due to feline diabetes, you must at all times maintain a careful eye on him soon after you have given the shot. Once your cat has been on insulin for a stretch of time, your veterinarian may well decrease the amount of insulin shots. Quite possibly however he might have to remain on insulin the rest of his life, your kitty will certainly live an otherwise wholesome lifespan.



Article Written By J. Foley

Common Genetic And Non-Genetic Cat Health Problems

If you are a new pet owner or are planning on getting a kitten, you should be aware that it is pretty normal for your kitty to fall ill every once in a while. However, cats are also prone to several genetic ailments and other serious diseases. As a cat owner, it would help you to know about some of these more common diseases. Though being cautious while getting a kitten can help you avoid a few genetic disorders, there are some cat health problems that you cannot prevent.



A majority of cats are vulnerable to worms. The presence of ringworms, hookworms, roundworms or tapeworms may make your cat suffer from stomach ache and vomiting. The presence of these worms may also cause discoloration of her coat and give her a bloated tummy. But you need not worry too much about these conditions as there are various medicines that can successfully cure such problems.



Cats love to groom themselves. However this frequent grooming can also result in hairball problems. While grooming themselves, cats often gulp hairs that remain undigested. Later, cats vomit these hairs out as hairballs.



Fleas too may bother your cats. These fleas would feed on the blood of your loving pet and too many fleas can also make it anemic. This uncomfortable situation may cause it to scratch itself more often, thus resulting in skin diseases. Keep a close watch on your pet and take her to a vet before the infestation gets serious.



Genetic cat health problems may include some kinds of kidney diseases, blindness and many others. Many Abyssinian cats are born with retinal dystrophy, progressive retinal atrophy and familial amyloidosis. Burmese cats are genetically more prone to diabetes, glaucoma and hypokalaemic myopathy. Gingivitis is another genetic condition that is present in many cats.



Despite their adorable appearance, even Persian cats have their share of genetic illnesses. The major genetic disorders that this breed suffers from include Chediak-Higashi syndrome, dystocia, progressive retinal atrophy and corneal sequestrum.



The list of cat health problems also includes feline leukemia. Unfortunately there is no permanent medication for this terminal illness and vomiting and weakness are some of its symptoms. Cats can also develop urinary tract infections and conjunctivitis. Injuries to the inner ear and ear mites can cause ear infection in cats. You should check the ears of your cat on a regular basis during her grooming sessions.



If your cat is falling ill, do not panic and remember to consult a vet or any reputable resource as soon as possible to prevent her condition from worsening. Good luck!

Cat Health - What to Do About Cat Bites

During a fight a cat's principle weapons are its claws and teeth. These can inflict puncture wounds or bites that can easily become infected. The problem for the cat owner is that these injuries are not easy to spot in the first instance as the wounds can be hidden by the fur.



Unless you tend to inspect your cats skin on a regular basis the first sign that your cat has been bitten may be when a swelling appears. This is an abscess which can be both unpleasant and painful for your pet. The cat will often be off its food and generally feel sorry for itself. Abscesses often appear on the cats head as this can be the main target for another cat in a fight. If you suspect that your cat has an abscess as the result of a bite you should take it to your vet. It may need surgery and or antibiotic treatment.



Another concern is that a cat bite can infect your cat with other microbes such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or Feline Aids which can be fatal.



An unneutered tom is far more likely to wander and become involved in fights than either a Queen or a neutered cat. Unless you intend to breed from your pet then the case for having neutering is over whelming.



To try and avoid the problems that come with cat bites you should regularly check your cat for signs of fight injuries. Initially you can treat scratch of bite marks with an antiseptic but keep a watch for any sign of infection. Should you have any doubts then a trip to the vets is advised. The earlier treatment is commenced the better it is for the cat.



It is also advisable to make sure that you get your cat vaccinated. There is no current vaccination for FIV but you can get a vaccination against Feline Leukaemia Virus and this should be arranged through your vet. Providing that you keep a regular check on your cat and possibly chase off any battle scared toms that come into your garden you should hopefully not have too much of a problem.

The Warning Signs of Cat Health Problems, Part 1

Cat health problems are many and varied, and feline illness symptoms, like that in humans, often overlap. Your cat is at increased risk for developing illness if recently injured or debilitated by some other condition, or recovering from a procedure or surgery. In addition, your cat is also at higher risk if there is stress due to a recent life-changing event in the home. This may include the addition or removal of a family member or other pet, change of residence, or other event.



It's possible for your cat to contract viruses and bacterial infections such as a flu or a cold. She can also get parasites, diabetes, and certain cancers. In addition, there are any number of feline specific health conditions.



Some of these cat health issues will require treatment. If you suspect your cat has an illness, it's best to call your veterinarian up front and get some direction. That way, if things seem to get worse, both you and your vet will be better prepared to handle the situation.



General signs of cat illness --



Cat health problems of a general nature include some of the same things that people face when they have a cold, flu, infection, or injury. Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and nasal discharge are common. If your cat has the flu, or an infection in the mouth, you may notice excessive drooling or fever.



Some other more serious signs of illness are excessive vomiting, blood in the vomit, evidence of worms, or signs of pain. If you notice that your cat has trouble breathing, walking, jumping, or faints or falls down, get her to the vet immediately. Also of concern is rapid weight loss or gain, or a bloating or tightness in the abdomen.



Eating and drinking --



A classic sign of a health problem in animals is refusal to eat, so loss of appetite is usually a sign that your cat isn't feeling good. Difficulty in chewing or eating, of course, is an obvious problem. Increased thirst is a sign of a number of diseases, including diabetes. Failure to drink can lead to dehydration, which can be life threatening. Hovering over the drinking bowl but refusing to drink is a definite sign of trouble if it happens for an extended period.



Defecation and urination --



Any indications of problems with urination or defecation may be a sign of disease. These behaviors should be watched closely, including any failure to use the litter box, as there may be a physical cause. Occasional constipation is common in cats, and is most often caused by hairballs, but if left untreated may develop into a serious condition. One of my readers found out that her cat had impacted anal glands and required medical treatment. In male cats, blockage of the urinary tract is life threatening, so difficulty urinating is a warning sign.



Other things to look for are evidence of blood in urine or feces, including black tarry stools, or crying out while using the litter box. Diarrhea may indicate intestinal disease and can lead to dehydration.



Keep alert to any changes in your cat's routine, and keep a journal. If you see warning signs of cat health problems, notify your vet and get advice on how to proceed. In part 2 of this article, we'll cover problems with the eyes, mouth, skin and hair, as well as behavioral changes that may indicate cat illness.

Common health problems in cats

All animals, like people, are prone to health problems. Cat owners should be aware of a number of conditions that can affect their animals because they recognize the symptoms of common cat illnesses is the key to ensure that your pet is treated promptly and effectively.



The five most common diseases in cats



Of course, there are a large number of health conditions that concern the cat owners. However, the five most widespread illness among domestic cats are: upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, kidney failure, diabetes and feline panleukopenia, otherwise known as feline distemper.



Fortunately, all these conditions are preventable or treatable. Also, if you know what to look for, these diseases are easy to spot.



Urinary tract infection



Sometimes known by the acronym FLUTD (Feline lower urinary tract), urinary tract infections are more common in male cats, but is found in both sexes. Symptoms include an increase in the amount and/or frequency of urine, blood in the urine and increased thirst.



A veterinarian usually diagnose a urinary infection with a urinalysis. He or she may also be able to hear an enlarged bladder during a physical examination. If your cat is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, treatment includes antibiotics and an increase in fluids. You may also find that a diet designed to lower magnesium and phosphorus is helpful.



Upper respiratory tract infection



Any respiratory problem should be taken seriously, as it can lead to pneumonia. Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection include coughing, increased respiratory rate and discharge from the nose. In some cases, a minor respiratory infection can be solved with steam inhalation, rest, increased fluid intake. However, more severe infections require a course of antibiotics for bacteria is killed.



If your vet suspects an upper respiratory tract infection, he or she will perform a chest x-ray to make sure that the infection has not spread to the lungs of the cat. It is wise to remember that even a minor respiratory infection can be fatal if left untreated.



Renal insufficiency



Renal failure or chronic renal failure, can be mistaken for FLUTD. In fact, the two conditions are often co-morbidities. Cats with kidney failure can also experience a loss of appetite, lethargy and the owners may notice sunken eyes, vomiting and diarrhea. Another symptom to be mindful of is a smell similar to nail varnish on the cat's breath and urine.



In order to diagnose kidney failure, a veterinarian will take a blood sample. Treatment require antibiotics and intravenous fluids to combat dehydration. A cat with chronic renal failure requires a diet low in phosphorus and protein. In addition, he or she requires regular veterinary checks.



Diabetes



Feline diabetes is a growing problem among domestic cats. Often, it is caused by overeating and lack of exercise and is therefore preventable in most cases. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, vomiting and dehydration.



A veterinarian takes samples of blood and urine to check glucose levels. If a cat is diagnosed with diabetes may require insulin injections and dietary changes for managing blood sugar. If a cat you must have insulin intravenously, must be wary of overdose of insulin, which is rare, but can occur.



Feline panleukopenia



Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral infection. If you suspect that your pet may have feline distemper, that it is essential that he or she is quarantined. Symptoms include abdominal pain (the cat may arch their backs in case of pain), vomiting, dehydration and loss of appetite.



If not treated quickly, feline panleukopenia can be a killer, so it is important to seek veterinary help as soon as possible. Treatment includes antibiotics, increasing fluids and antiemetics.



Of course, there are simple steps, such as immunizations, regular checkups and good diet, which will keep your cat at low risk from these and other feline diseases.

Dog Health Issues - Diabetes

Dogs can be born with diabetes or get diabetes at any time in their life, just as humans do. When a dog has this illness, it is no different than the form that people have. Diabetes in dogs is a chronic disease. This means that treatment can not cure this and make it go away. Any person or dog with diabetes will need ongoing treatment to control it, manage it and keep symptoms from becoming troubling.



This illness causes a dog's body to be unable to breakdown glucose (sugar). If not managed properly, this can cause the sugar level in the dog's blood to be either too high or too low. The most devastating effects of this come in later stages if the diabetes in the dog is left to worsen: blindness can occur. Loss of digits, such as toes can happen as well because of improper blood flow to limbs. This can also cause kidney damage and heart disease. The final stages of an untreated diabetic dog will be death.



Therefore it is vitally important to have your dog begin treatment immediately if he or she is found to have this. The treatment or management of this illness will be the same as a human. Your dog may need to have insulin shots to balance the glucose levels. While most dogs will certainly not enjoy having daily shots; this is required to maintain your dog's good health. After a while, a dog may become compliant to the injections. A very strict and exact diet is needed as well. Certain foods can shoot sugar levels to dangerous heights. Lack of certain foods can allow sugar to become so low that a dog can go into shock.



Your dog should have their blood checked at regular intervals for any type of illness, including dog diabetes. When found, treatment should begin right away. If you are in-between vet checkups there are some early warning signs to look out for. If you notice that your dog sleeps a lot more than normal, shows signs of dizziness or drinks excessively it is suggested to schedule a vet checkup right away for your dog.

Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems - The Most Common Diseases And Illnesses In Yorkies

A Yorkie has a life expectancy of fourteen to sixteen years. They don't suffer any major health problems if they maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, this breed of dog can suffer from the following health issues:



Canine Diabetes in Yorkies



Just like humans, Yorkies can become diabetic. In most cases this is the result of a lack of exercise or a poor diet. The main symptoms of canine diabetes include excessive drinking and urinating. This disease has the potential to shorten your dog's life and lower its quality of life.



However, if Yorkshire Terrier diabetes is diagnosed early, it can be treated successfully with the proper medication and help from your veterinarian. Once this health problem is addressed, your pet stands a much better chance of living a relatively normal life when this disease is treated in time.



Yorkie Eye problems



A number of Yorkie eye problems are common amongst this breed of canine. A Yorkie can suffer from a range of eye disorders including cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) degeneration, Keratoconjuctivitis Sicca and Entropion. Some of these problems are hereditary, while others can be acquired as your dog gets older. In most cases blindness can be prevented, so long as the problem is treated early.



If your pet develops diabetes, this can also cause loss of vision because of cataracts. When this condition is left untreated, it eventually leads to blindness.



Liver Shunt



This illness is also known as Portosystemic Shunt (PSS) and is a disorder associated with the blood flow in a Yorkshire Terrier. Your pets blood gets diverted away from its liver. This leads to a build-up of toxins in the blood, and can result in serious illness for your dog. Liver Shunt is a canine health problem that can be acquired or present in Yorkies when they are born.



Luxated Patella



Many Yorkies suffer from a kneecap problem called Luxated Patella or Trick Knee. You're pet may have this health issue, and you as an owner, may not realize it exists. If you believe your dog has this health problem, you should pay a visit to your veterinarian as soon as possible. It does not sound like a serious condition, but Yorkshire Terrier Luxated Patella can become a serious health problem and restriction to you dog, if it's not treated early.



These are just some of the Yorkshire Terrier health problems that can occur, but most can be treated and even avoided by keeping an eye on, and taking care of your Yorkies health.

A Golden Retriever Health Problem No Dog Wants To Get

There are a number of Golden Retriever health problems that you should be aware of when raising and breeding this breed of dog, including allergies, infections, hip dysplasia, cataracts, and obesity, but there is one in particular I wanted to focus on today - Diabetes. I think everyone has some idea of what diabetes does to people, but until you own a dog it never really hits home that the condition can affect dogs in much the same way.



Diabetes is caused by either a lack of insulin or when your dog cannot utilize insulin properly, diabetes in your Golden Retriever is, thankfully, a manageable condition. If left untreated, however, it can cause other complications and lead to many other health problems.



There are two types of diabetes that your dog can get:



Type I: A lack of insulin production.



Type II: Your dog isn't producing enough insulin, and doesn't respond properly to what it does produce.



Typically we see only Type I in Golden Retrievers.



How Can I Tell if my Golden Retriever Has Diabetes?



Many of the symptoms of diabetes either go unnoticed, or are thought to be the result of other conditions; it's important to be aware of the symptoms and look into them more if your dog shows any signs of them. These symptoms include a change in your dogs appetite, a noticeable increase in water consumption, weight loss, fruity (or very sweet) smelling breath, dehydration, excessive vomiting, your dog is urinating more often than usual, Urinary tract infections, the dog appears very lethargic, develops cataracts, or has signs of skin infections.



It's quite a long list of symptoms and many of them also appear from other conditions such as allergies and infections. Nevertheless, it's worth investigating these symptoms as not managing diabetes can lead to many, even more serious, health issues for your Golden.



Diabetes is more common in older dogs over the age of six years, females, and obese dogs. Obviously there is nothing you can do about the age or sex of your dog, but obesity is definitely a condition you can prevent to reduce the risk.



In the event your dog does develop diabetes, your local vet will help you determine appropriate treatment. In addition to whatever treatment is prescribed for your dog, a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to help treat and control diabetes.



If left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe conditions such as cataracts, urinary tract infections, and eventually to coma and death.



As you can see, diabetes is a serious condition that requires the owner to pay close attention to the health of their dog, regardless of the breed.

New Diabetes Health Risk Discovered

Doctors know that diabetes is associated with several serious complications, now there's growing evidence that cancer could be a new diabetes health risk. New work has discovered that women diagnosed with diabetes have an 8% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer in general, while diabetic men had a 9% increased chance after incidents of cancer of the prostate were taken out of the equation.



The chance of dying from cancer was higher for diabetics - 11% higher for women; 17% greater for men.



We know that diabetes is the result of too little insulin, resistance to insulin or both. It affects more than 20 million in the United States. Today there is no cure for diabetes, managing the disease can include medication, diet and exercise and is the best way to reduce your symptoms, prevent complications (blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, amputation of limbs) and prolong your life.



Cancer, defined by medicine as the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body, comes in many different guises. It can develop in any organ or tissue in the body. The symptoms depend on the type and location of the cancer, and with certain cancers, appear only at the advanced stages of the disease. While a diagnosis of cancer is hard to deal with, life altering perhaps, the disease can be treated successfully.



This most recent study used data from just shy of 300,000 men and another nearly 200,000 women who lived in eight different U.S. states. Diabetes was not formally diagnosed, rather it was self reported, so we don't know whether subjects had type 1 or 2, though it's thought the majority of subjects had the more common, type 2 diabetes. The initial study also didn't account for diabetes management or medications, so these factors could not be evaluated.



After 11 years, 55,888 of the men and 26,000 of the women had been diagnosed with cancer.



The chance of developing liver cancer was more than doubled for those with diabetes, the chance of rectum cancer rose by 28% and colon cancer risk went up by 15% in those suffering from diabetes. For males, the chance of pancreatic, as well as bladder cancer was increased; for females stomach, uterine and anus cancer was a greater risk for those suffering from diabetes.



No link between lung, skin or other cancers and diabetes was found.



For an unknown reason, diabetes was actually tied to a lower rate of cancer of the prostate in men. When prostate cancer was considered, the male subjects' cancer rates dropped by 4%.



More work will need to be done to try to understand what's happening here. Researchers are unsure what's behind the rise in cancer risk might be, but there are a few possibilities. Is it how you eat? Is it not being active? Does socioeconomic status factor into things?



The important message to take from the study is the potential for increased risk for some cancers. Screening for these forms is important, as is living a healthy lifestyle and doing all you can (i.e. stop smoking) to keep your body healthy and free of disease.



Anytime you can avoid a chronic disease like diabetes, by simply making better choices in how you live, you need to do it. Once you're diagnosed, there's no turning back the clock... no rewind or do-over. From that point you'll be forced to manage your condition and hope to lessen your risk of complications.



Another diabetes related study found a link between metabolic syndrome and increased risks of liver cancer.



The work included 4,000 patients with liver cancer who were compared to around 200,000 cancer free controls. The researchers found that 37% of those with hepatocellular carcinoma also had metabolic syndrome. And about 30% of those with another form of liver cancer, intrahepatic carcinoma, were found to also have metabolic syndrome.



Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors, which come together in a single patient, and is diagnosed when at least three of the following are present - high blood pressure, larger waist measurement, high triglycerides, high fasting blood sugar and low HDL cholesterol. Those with metabolic syndrome are well known to have a greater risk of heart disease, however this work found they also have a higher risk of cancer of the liver as well.