Disorder - Diabetes

Organ Systems Involved
Endocrine

Alternative Names
Diabetes insipidus; Diabetes mellitus; Type I diabetes; Type II diabetes

Presenting Signs

Diabetes is divided into three forms: Diabetes inspidus, and Diabetes mellitus types I and II. Diabetes insipidus is caused when a cat’s body cannot secrete enough antidiuretic hormone, a chemical that regulates the amount of water processed by the kidneys. The kidneys are unable to resorb water back into the bloodstream and the body loses too much fluid via excessive urination. Cats with Diabetes inspidus drink and urinate excessively, with dilute urine being produced even when the animal is dehydrated.

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of the metabolism of carbohydrate by the hormone insulin. In type I Diabetes mellitus, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin because its cells are damaged. In type II Diabetes mellitus, the pancreas is unable to secrete enough insulin and the body is also less responsive to insulin. Diabetes mellitus type II is the most common type found in cats, and symptoms are excessive drinking and urinating, blindness, an enlarged liver, and high levels of glucose in the blood and urine.

Cats at Risk

Cats with dental disease, cats being treated with corticosteroids or progestins, indoor cats, males, cats with low activity levels or obesity, cats over seven years old

Breeds Affected
Burmese


Treatment

• Diabetes mellitus: Medical. Daily injections of insulin, dietary modifications and other medications as necessary
  
• Diabetes insipidus: Medical. Daily medication is given to supply the animal with a substitute for Antidiuretic hormone.

PubMed References
Diabetes

Contributor
Alison Wardman