How do you monitor a cat with diabetes?
A stable cat with diabetes should have blood glucose in the range of 120–300 mg/dL for most of a 24-hour period. A handheld glucometer is one way to monitor these levels. Handheld glucometers are not crucial, but are easy to use and may be worth the investment.
When to take your cat to the vet for diabetes?
A change in eating and drinking routines may also signal the onset of diabetes in cats. “Without insulin, [a cat’s] body can’t use glucose. So in the beginning you notice your cat is really hungry and is still losing weight,” says Koble. If you notice any of these signs, take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.
Can a diabetic cat take a natural insulin shot?
Most veterinarians agree that natural supplements that tout diabetes remedies don’t work as effective treatment options. Insulin shots may be a necessary means to managing a diabetic cat’s health. “There is no ‘natural’ replacement for insulin.
Is it possible for a cat to have type 2 diabetes?
Exercise is protective against diabetes, and indoor only cats are usually lacking severely in activity.” Not dissimilar to type 2 diabetes in people, most cases of diabetes in cats occur when a cat’s blood sugar rises because its body is no longer responding to insulin in a normal manner.
How often should I give my cat insulin?
For cats that do require insulin, most cats need a dose every 12 hours. Koble adds, “All insulin is safe when used properly.” Any cat with diabetes will have to maintain visits with their vets based on their diagnosis.
A change in eating and drinking routines may also signal the onset of diabetes in cats. “Without insulin, [a cat’s] body can’t use glucose. So in the beginning you notice your cat is really hungry and is still losing weight,” says Koble. If you notice any of these signs, take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.
What kind of diabetes can a cat have?
An alarming number of cats are developing diabetes mellitus, which is the inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar, or glucose, levels .
Can a cat be diabetic without insulin injections?
With early, aggressive treatment of diabetes, many cats will enter a state of diabetic remission, meaning they are able to maintain normal blood sugar levels without insulin injections.
What kind of medication can I give my Cat for diabetes?
Oral drugs for humans (hypoglycemic medications) such as glipizide rarely work in controlling diabetes in cats. Insulin injection (see Figure 1) can be taught to most owners and, with a bit of experience, both owners and cats usually adapt to these injections very well.