Diabetes Guidelines Flashcards
What is the primary goal of managing diabetes in cats?
The main goal is to control blood glucose levels and avoid hypoglycemia to prevent complications.
What type of diabetes is most common in cats?
Most cats develop a form of diabetes similar to type 2 in humans, characterized by insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction.
What are common symptoms of diabetes in cats?
Common symptoms include increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), weight loss, and increased appetite.
Which factors increase a cat’s risk of developing diabetes?
Risk factors include obesity, older age, physical inactivity, male gender, and the use of certain medications like corticosteroids.
How is diabetes diagnosed in cats?
Diabetes is diagnosed by persistent hyperglycemia and glucosuria along with consistent clinical signs.
What is the recommended approach for feeding diabetic cats?
Feeding a low-carbohydrate diet and controlling body weight can improve glycemic control in diabetic cats.
Which types of insulin are preferred for managing diabetes in cats?
Longer-acting insulins like insulin glargine, insulin detemir, and protamine zinc insulin (PZI) are recommended.
How often should diabetic cats be fed?
Feeding frequency can vary but should include at least two meals a day, and food timing does not need to be matched strictly with insulin injections.
What is the starting dose of insulin for a newly diagnosed diabetic cat?
The starting dose is typically 0.25–0.5 units per kilogram, administered every 12 hours.
What is diabetic remission, and how is it monitored?
Diabetic remission occurs when a cat no longer requires insulin; it is monitored through normal blood glucose levels and absence of glucosuria over several weeks.
What role does home blood glucose monitoring (HMBG) play in managing feline diabetes?
HMBG helps improve control over the disease, identify hypoglycemia, and allows better adjustments to insulin therapy.
What complications can occur if diabetes in cats is not well-managed?
Complications include diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hypoglycemia, and diabetic neuropathy.
Why might a diabetic cat develop ketoacidosis (DKA)?
DKA occurs due to prolonged high blood glucose levels, causing the body to produce ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis.
What dietary change is recommended for overweight diabetic cats?
Weight loss should be managed carefully with a calorie-controlled diet once blood glucose is stabilized.
How is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) treated in cats?
DKA treatment includes correcting dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and acidosis, and administering insulin and glucose.
What is the purpose of using fructosamine levels in diabetic cats?
Fructosamine reflects average blood glucose levels over the preceding 1-2 weeks and helps monitor long-term glycemic control.
How can insulin be administered more accurately for diabetic cats?
Insulin pens or syringes calibrated to the insulin concentration help improve accuracy, especially for low doses.
What should an owner do if a diabetic cat shows signs of hypoglycemia?
The owner should immediately apply honey or glucose to the cat’s gums and seek veterinary assistance.
What is the role of blood glucose curves (BGC) in managing feline diabetes?
BGCs help assess blood glucose trends throughout the day, guiding insulin adjustments to improve diabetic control.
Why might insulin dose adjustments in diabetic cats be made cautiously?
Rapid dose adjustments can lead to hypoglycemia or poor control; changes should be gradual to allow the body to adjust.
What is glucose toxicity in diabetic cats?
Glucose toxicity occurs when chronic high blood glucose damages beta cells, further reducing insulin production.
How does obesity affect diabetes risk in cats?
Obesity reduces insulin sensitivity, making obese cats up to four times more likely to develop diabetes.
What is the role of insulin in managing diabetes in cats?
Insulin helps lower blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake in cells, crucial for controlling diabetes.
Why are male cats at higher risk for diabetes?
Male and neutered male cats show a higher incidence of diabetes, although the exact cause isn’t fully understood.
How can a cat’s age influence the risk of diabetes?
Cats over 7 years old are at increased risk, as age can reduce insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function.
Why might an owner prefer home monitoring of blood glucose in diabetic cats?
Home monitoring reduces stress, provides more accurate data, and helps avoid unnecessary clinic visits.
What is fructosamine, and how is it used in diabetic cats?
Fructosamine is a protein that reflects blood glucose levels over a week or two, useful for monitoring long-term control.
What type of carbohydrates are recommended in diabetic cat diets?
Low-carbohydrate diets, ideally with complex carbs, are recommended to manage blood glucose effectively.
How should insulin be stored?
Insulin should be stored in a refrigerator and handled carefully to avoid contamination and loss of potency.
Why might glipizide be prescribed for diabetic cats?
Glipizide, an oral hypoglycemic agent, may be used if insulin therapy isn’t an option, though it’s less effective.
Why is diabetic remission possible in some cats?
With good glycemic control and reduced insulin resistance, some cats’ beta cells may recover enough to eliminate the need for insulin.
How should water intake be monitored in diabetic cats?
Owners can use a measuring jug to track water intake, as increased thirst may indicate poor diabetic control.
What is diabetic neuropathy in cats?
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage due to prolonged high glucose, often causing weakness and a ‘plantigrade’ stance.
How often should body weight be monitored in diabetic cats?
Weight should be checked weekly initially and then regularly to ensure stable glycemic control and detect changes.
What is the typical duration of insulin activity in cats using lente insulin?
Lente insulin typically peaks 2-8 hours post-injection and lasts about 8-10 hours.
What is the benefit of using a continuous glucose monitor in diabetic cats?
Continuous monitors reduce stress-related spikes in blood glucose and allow for overnight monitoring.
What is the role of anti-insulin antibodies in feline diabetes?
Although anti-insulin antibodies are possible, they rarely cause significant clinical issues in cats.
What should an owner do if they miss an insulin dose?
They can wait for the next scheduled dose or give a smaller dose if within a 2-hour window, following vet advice.
What dietary changes should be made for diabetic cats after remission?
Cats in remission should continue on a low-carb diet and be closely monitored for any recurrence of symptoms.
How often should blood glucose curves be performed in diabetic cats?
Blood glucose curves are recommended weekly initially and then every 3-4 weeks once control is stable.
How does pancreatitis relate to feline diabetes?
Pancreatitis can damage insulin-producing cells, contributing to diabetes in some cats.
Why should diabetic cats be fed at regular intervals?
Regular feeding helps prevent large fluctuations in blood glucose and supports stable insulin effectiveness.
What is the preferred injection site for insulin in cats?
Insulin is commonly injected subcutaneously, usually in the scruff or flank areas.
Why should owners monitor a diabetic cat’s urine?
Urine glucose and ketone levels help indicate whether blood glucose is well-controlled and detect complications.
What is the risk of insulin overdose in diabetic cats?
Overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia, so doses should be carefully monitored and adjusted as needed.
How does physical inactivity contribute to diabetes in cats?
Inactivity can lead to weight gain and reduced insulin sensitivity, increasing diabetes risk.
What are signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in cats?
Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, weakness, and a fruity odor to the breath.
What is an ideal blood glucose range for diabetic cats?
Ideally, blood glucose should remain between 4.5-8 mmol/L at its lowest and 10-14 mmol/L at its highest.
How should diabetic cats be transitioned onto a new diet?
Gradual transition over several days helps prevent digestive issues and ensures acceptance of the new diet.
How often should insulin adjustments be made in diabetic cats?
Insulin doses should generally not be increased more frequently than every 5-7 days.
Why might some diabetic cats require a higher-than-average insulin dose?
Insulin resistance due to obesity, concurrent diseases, or medication effects may increase the required dose.
Why is weight management important in diabetic cats?
Proper weight helps reduce insulin resistance and supports better blood glucose control.
What is a common complication of untreated feline diabetes?
Untreated diabetes can lead to complications like DKA, neuropathy, and increased risk of infections.
How should an insulin pen be used for cats?
Insulin pens can provide more accurate dosing, particularly for small doses, and are easier for many owners to use.
Why is it essential to keep diabetic cats on a consistent diet?
Consistent feeding helps maintain stable blood glucose levels, making diabetes management more effective.
What is home blood glucose monitoring (HMBG)?
HMBG is when owners check their cat’s blood glucose levels at home, which can improve diabetes management.
What might cause an unexplained increase in insulin needs for a diabetic cat?
Factors like stress, infection, or hormonal imbalances may cause sudden increases in insulin requirements.
What equipment is essential for monitoring blood glucose at home?
A portable, feline-validated glucose meter and a lancing device for ear or pad sampling are essential.
How long can insulin typically be stored once opened?
Insulin can generally be stored for 4-6 weeks in the refrigerator but may last longer with proper handling.
What type of insulin might be preferred if twice-daily injections are difficult?
Longer-acting insulins like glargine or detemir may be used as they provide a more sustained effect.
