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What happens to a cat when it has diabetes?

What happens to a cat when it has diabetes?

When a cat has diabetes, cells can no longer absorb the glucose from the blood appropriately. As a result, starved cells will trigger the breakdown of the fats and proteins available in the body as an alternative source of energy.

How do you give insulin to a cat with diabetes?

The insulin is given by injection under the skin, usually twice a day. If you think your cat may have received an overdose of insulin, give it corn syrup by mouth. If he is unable to swallow, rub the syrup on the gums. After your cat has been on insulin for about a week, a glucose curve is done.

Why does my cat have high blood sugar?

Cells around the body continue to starve, blood sugar levels rise abnormally high and the symptoms of diabetes develop. Being obese increases a cat’s risk of developing diabetes, but other diseases (such as pancreatitis) and certain medicines can also cause it.

Can a diabetic cat walk on its feet?

Normally cats walk on their feet, but cats with diabetes often start walking with their hocks touching the ground – these are the parts of the cat’s back legs that stretch from the feet to the first joint (kind of like the knee joint). If you see your cat’s hocks on the ground while it walks, take it to the vet immediately.

Why is my cat diabetic and what causes it?

There are a few different ways that cats can contract diabetes. Feeding your cat too much “people” food can cause inflammation of the pancreas —where you find insulin-producing cells—which can inhibit insulin production. Prolonged use of steroids can also predispose a cat to diabetes. Being overweight puts cats at high risk for developing diabetes.

How can you tell if your cat has diabetes?

Early Signs of Diabetes in Cats 1. Excessive Urination & Thirst Your cat may be suffering from Type I or Type II diabetes if they are urinating frequently.

How old does a cat have to be to have diabetes?

Diabetes, and Type II diabetes specifically, is a very common disorder in cats. The condition is most common in overweight, neutered male cats over 8 years of age, and those that exclusively eat a high carbohydrate diet (which includes pretty much any diet of dry cat food).

What happens if a cat is left untreated for diabetes?

Left untreated, it can lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting ,dehydration, severe depression, problems with motor function, coma, and even death. To find out why so many cats are being diagnosed with diabetes, and what owners can do, WebMD talked to Thomas Graves,…