Blood Glucose Curves - FF Article Flashcards
What is the most common type of diabetes in cats?
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion.
What are some common risk factors for feline diabetes?
Male neutered cats, Burmese breed, obesity, indoor lifestyle, corticosteroid or progestogen treatment.
Why is early detection of diabetes important in cats?
Early detection and aggressive treatment increase the chances of diabetes being transient, reducing the need for long-term insulin.
What should owners monitor at home for diabetic cats?
Weight, body condition score, appetite, water intake, urination, blood glucose (if monitored), and urine glucose or ketones.
What is the primary goal of insulin therapy in cats?
To stop ketone production, restore water and electrolyte balance, correct acidosis, and treat any underlying causes.
What are the key points for insulin therapy in cats?
Use of twice-daily dosing, slow incremental adjustments, and rotating injection sites to prevent localized insulin resistance.
What should a diabetic cat’s diet include?
High protein, low carbohydrate diets are recommended, as they improve glycemic control and reduce insulin dependence.
What is the importance of a blood glucose curve?
It helps track changes in blood glucose over 12-24 hours to determine the lowest concentration (nadir) and assess insulin effectiveness.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A life-threatening complication of untreated or poorly controlled diabetes characterized by ketonuria, acidosis, and systemic signs like vomiting and lethargy.
How should a diabetic ketoacidotic cat be treated?
Fluid therapy with potassium and phosphate supplementation, insulin therapy, and close monitoring of glucose, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.
What is the Somogyi effect in diabetic cats?
It’s a hypoglycemia-induced hyperglycemia caused by excessive insulin, leading to a counter-regulatory hormone response and high blood sugar.
What is the preferred insulin administration technique in cats?
Insulin should be given during or after feeding, with regular blood glucose monitoring and careful attention to hypoglycemic signs.
Why is home blood glucose monitoring recommended for diabetic cats?
It minimizes the stress of clinic visits, provides more accurate daily glucose readings, and helps identify periods of hypoglycemia.
What are the signs of diabetic remission in cats?
Normal fructosamine levels, absence of glucosuria, low blood glucose (<10mmol/L) before insulin administration, and overall stable condition.
What dietary changes help diabetic cats lose weight?
High-fiber, moderately fat-restricted diets are effective for weight loss, while high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are best for glycemic control.
