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DMod3 Pt6 Endocrine Disease > Diabetes Guidelines > Flashcards

Diabetes Guidelines Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary goal of managing diabetes in cats?

A

The main goal is to control blood glucose levels and avoid hypoglycemia to prevent complications.

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2
Q

What type of diabetes is most common in cats?

A

Most cats develop a form of diabetes similar to type 2 in humans, characterized by insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction.

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3
Q

What are common symptoms of diabetes in cats?

A

Common symptoms include increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), weight loss, and increased appetite.

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4
Q

Which factors increase a cat’s risk of developing diabetes?

A

Risk factors include obesity, older age, physical inactivity, male gender, and the use of certain medications like corticosteroids.

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5
Q

How is diabetes diagnosed in cats?

A

Diabetes is diagnosed by persistent hyperglycemia and glucosuria along with consistent clinical signs.

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6
Q

What is the recommended approach for feeding diabetic cats?

A

Feeding a low-carbohydrate diet and controlling body weight can improve glycemic control in diabetic cats.

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7
Q

Which types of insulin are preferred for managing diabetes in cats?

A

Longer-acting insulins like insulin glargine, insulin detemir, and protamine zinc insulin (PZI) are recommended.

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8
Q

How often should diabetic cats be fed?

A

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.

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9
Q

What is the starting dose of insulin for a newly diagnosed diabetic cat?

A

The starting dose is typically 0.25–0.5 units per kilogram, administered every 12 hours.

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10
Q

What is diabetic remission, and how is it monitored?

A

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.

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11
Q

What role does home blood glucose monitoring (HMBG) play in managing feline diabetes?

A

HMBG helps improve control over the disease, identify hypoglycemia, and allows better adjustments to insulin therapy.

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12
Q

What complications can occur if diabetes in cats is not well-managed?

A

Complications include diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hypoglycemia, and diabetic neuropathy.

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13
Q

Why might a diabetic cat develop ketoacidosis (DKA)?

A

DKA occurs due to prolonged high blood glucose levels, causing the body to produce ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis.

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14
Q

What dietary change is recommended for overweight diabetic cats?

A

Weight loss should be managed carefully with a calorie-controlled diet once blood glucose is stabilized.

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15
Q

How is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) treated in cats?

A

DKA treatment includes correcting dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and acidosis, and administering insulin and glucose.

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16
Q

What is the purpose of using fructosamine levels in diabetic cats?

A

Fructosamine reflects average blood glucose levels over the preceding 1-2 weeks and helps monitor long-term glycemic control.

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17
Q

How can insulin be administered more accurately for diabetic cats?

A

Insulin pens or syringes calibrated to the insulin concentration help improve accuracy, especially for low doses.

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18
Q

What should an owner do if a diabetic cat shows signs of hypoglycemia?

A

The owner should immediately apply honey or glucose to the cat’s gums and seek veterinary assistance.

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19
Q

What is the role of blood glucose curves (BGC) in managing feline diabetes?

A

BGCs help assess blood glucose trends throughout the day, guiding insulin adjustments to improve diabetic control.

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20
Q

Why might insulin dose adjustments in diabetic cats be made cautiously?

A

Rapid dose adjustments can lead to hypoglycemia or poor control; changes should be gradual to allow the body to adjust.

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21
Q

What is glucose toxicity in diabetic cats?

A

Glucose toxicity occurs when chronic high blood glucose damages beta cells, further reducing insulin production.

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22
Q

How does obesity affect diabetes risk in cats?

A

Obesity reduces insulin sensitivity, making obese cats up to four times more likely to develop diabetes.

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23
Q

What is the role of insulin in managing diabetes in cats?

A

Insulin helps lower blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake in cells, crucial for controlling diabetes.

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24
Q

Why are male cats at higher risk for diabetes?

A

Male and neutered male cats show a higher incidence of diabetes, although the exact cause isn’t fully understood.

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25
Q

How can a cat’s age influence the risk of diabetes?

A

Cats over 7 years old are at increased risk, as age can reduce insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function.

26
Q

Why might an owner prefer home monitoring of blood glucose in diabetic cats?

A

Home monitoring reduces stress, provides more accurate data, and helps avoid unnecessary clinic visits.

27
Q

What is fructosamine, and how is it used in diabetic cats?

A

Fructosamine is a protein that reflects blood glucose levels over a week or two, useful for monitoring long-term control.

28
Q

What type of carbohydrates are recommended in diabetic cat diets?

A

Low-carbohydrate diets, ideally with complex carbs, are recommended to manage blood glucose effectively.

29
Q

How should insulin be stored?

A

Insulin should be stored in a refrigerator and handled carefully to avoid contamination and loss of potency.

30
Q

Why might glipizide be prescribed for diabetic cats?

A

Glipizide, an oral hypoglycemic agent, may be used if insulin therapy isn’t an option, though it’s less effective.

31
Q

Why is diabetic remission possible in some cats?

A

With good glycemic control and reduced insulin resistance, some cats’ beta cells may recover enough to eliminate the need for insulin.

32
Q

How should water intake be monitored in diabetic cats?

A

Owners can use a measuring jug to track water intake, as increased thirst may indicate poor diabetic control.

33
Q

What is diabetic neuropathy in cats?

A

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage due to prolonged high glucose, often causing weakness and a ‘plantigrade’ stance.

34
Q

How often should body weight be monitored in diabetic cats?

A

Weight should be checked weekly initially and then regularly to ensure stable glycemic control and detect changes.

35
Q

What is the typical duration of insulin activity in cats using lente insulin?

A

Lente insulin typically peaks 2-8 hours post-injection and lasts about 8-10 hours.

36
Q

What is the benefit of using a continuous glucose monitor in diabetic cats?

A

Continuous monitors reduce stress-related spikes in blood glucose and allow for overnight monitoring.

37
Q

What is the role of anti-insulin antibodies in feline diabetes?

A

Although anti-insulin antibodies are possible, they rarely cause significant clinical issues in cats.

38
Q

What should an owner do if they miss an insulin dose?

A

They can wait for the next scheduled dose or give a smaller dose if within a 2-hour window, following vet advice.

39
Q

What dietary changes should be made for diabetic cats after remission?

A

Cats in remission should continue on a low-carb diet and be closely monitored for any recurrence of symptoms.

40
Q

How often should blood glucose curves be performed in diabetic cats?

A

Blood glucose curves are recommended weekly initially and then every 3-4 weeks once control is stable.

41
Q

How does pancreatitis relate to feline diabetes?

A

Pancreatitis can damage insulin-producing cells, contributing to diabetes in some cats.

42
Q

Why should diabetic cats be fed at regular intervals?

A

Regular feeding helps prevent large fluctuations in blood glucose and supports stable insulin effectiveness.

43
Q

What is the preferred injection site for insulin in cats?

A

Insulin is commonly injected subcutaneously, usually in the scruff or flank areas.

44
Q

Why should owners monitor a diabetic cat’s urine?

A

Urine glucose and ketone levels help indicate whether blood glucose is well-controlled and detect complications.

45
Q

What is the risk of insulin overdose in diabetic cats?

A

Overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia, so doses should be carefully monitored and adjusted as needed.

46
Q

How does physical inactivity contribute to diabetes in cats?

A

Inactivity can lead to weight gain and reduced insulin sensitivity, increasing diabetes risk.

47
Q

What are signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in cats?

A

Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, weakness, and a fruity odor to the breath.

48
Q

What is an ideal blood glucose range for diabetic cats?

A

Ideally, blood glucose should remain between 4.5-8 mmol/L at its lowest and 10-14 mmol/L at its highest.

49
Q

How should diabetic cats be transitioned onto a new diet?

A

Gradual transition over several days helps prevent digestive issues and ensures acceptance of the new diet.

50
Q

How often should insulin adjustments be made in diabetic cats?

A

Insulin doses should generally not be increased more frequently than every 5-7 days.

51
Q

Why might some diabetic cats require a higher-than-average insulin dose?

A

Insulin resistance due to obesity, concurrent diseases, or medication effects may increase the required dose.

52
Q

Why is weight management important in diabetic cats?

A

Proper weight helps reduce insulin resistance and supports better blood glucose control.

53
Q

What is a common complication of untreated feline diabetes?

A

Untreated diabetes can lead to complications like DKA, neuropathy, and increased risk of infections.

54
Q

How should an insulin pen be used for cats?

A

Insulin pens can provide more accurate dosing, particularly for small doses, and are easier for many owners to use.

55
Q

Why is it essential to keep diabetic cats on a consistent diet?

A

Consistent feeding helps maintain stable blood glucose levels, making diabetes management more effective.

56
Q

What is home blood glucose monitoring (HMBG)?

A

HMBG is when owners check their cat’s blood glucose levels at home, which can improve diabetes management.

57
Q

What might cause an unexplained increase in insulin needs for a diabetic cat?

A

Factors like stress, infection, or hormonal imbalances may cause sudden increases in insulin requirements.

58
Q

What equipment is essential for monitoring blood glucose at home?

A

A portable, feline-validated glucose meter and a lancing device for ear or pad sampling are essential.

59
Q

How long can insulin typically be stored once opened?

A

Insulin can generally be stored for 4-6 weeks in the refrigerator but may last longer with proper handling.

60
Q

What type of insulin might be preferred if twice-daily injections are difficult?

A

Longer-acting insulins like glargine or detemir may be used as they provide a more sustained effect.

DMod3 Pt6 Endocrine Disease (6 decks)

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