Diabetes Mellitus in cats
The endocrine system
MetPet.com Staff Writer
Diabetes
mellitus is a condition caused by abnormal glucose metabolism.
Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is used in the body's cells, tissues and
organs for energy. The hormone insulin is responsible for regulating
glucose in the blood stream, allowing it to be transferred from the blood to
the tissues. Tests will reveal excess glucose levels in the blood and
urine.
Insulin is created in the pancreas so diseases of or
damage to the pancreas can cause a deficiency of insulin. Lack of
insulin prevents sufficient glucose transfer to the tissues, glucose builds
up in the blood and tissues have insufficient energy and will begin to break
down protein and fat instead. Ketones, a byproduct of fat
storage breakdown begin to accumulate in the blood and high levels of ketones (ketosis) can cause any number of problems including liver damage,
nervous system damage, coma, kidney failure, chronic infections, gangrene
and blindness.
Diabetes can also be caused by the body's insufficient
reaction to insulin in the blood. The body develops insulin resistance
and fails to react normally to insulin in the blood. Causes of insulin
resistance include obesity and over use of corticosteroids.
Diabetes mellitus can be either complicated or
uncomplicated depending on the severity. Complicated cases, resulting
in serious weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing require
immediate veterinarian diagnosis and care. Treatment consists of
fluids, medications to raise the pH level of the blood lowered by too many
ketone acids, carefully regulated insulin and monitoring of blood glucose
levels. Insulin must be carefully regulated in order to prevent excess
insulin (hypoglycemia) and the resulting shock, seizures and possibly death.
Treatment for this serious disorder requires daily monitoring and
administering of medications as required.
Other diseases can occur along with diabetes mellitus.
These include weakening of the immune system, kidney disease and
cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy refers to changes in the thickness of
or contractility of the heart tissue that can result in heart failure.
In uncomplicated cases, many cats do not require insulin
but an improved, higher fiber diet to help regulate glucose absorption and
combat obesity. Medications that increase insulin production, reduce
insulin resistance or slow glucose absorption can be given orally.
Keeping your cat sleek, well exercised and on a healthy,
nutritious diet will help prevent diabetes mellitus.
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