Diabetes Guidelines

Question 1

What is the primary goal of managing diabetes in cats?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What type of diabetes is most common in cats?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What are common symptoms of diabetes in cats?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

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

Answer 4

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

Question 5

How is diabetes diagnosed in cats?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What is the recommended approach for feeding diabetic cats?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

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

Answer 7

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

Question 8

How often should diabetic cats be fed?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

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

Answer 9

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

Question 10

What is diabetic remission, and how is it monitored?

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

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

Answer 11

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

Question 12

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

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Why might a diabetic cat develop ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What dietary change is recommended for overweight diabetic cats?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

How is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) treated in cats?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

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

Answer 16

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

Question 17

How can insulin be administered more accurately for diabetic cats?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

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

Answer 18

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

Question 19

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

Answer 19

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

Question 20

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

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What is glucose toxicity in diabetic cats?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

How does obesity affect diabetes risk in cats?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

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

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Why are male cats at higher risk for diabetes?

Answer 24

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

Question 25

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

Answer 25

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

Question 26

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

Answer 26

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

Question 27

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

Answer 27

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

Question 28

What type of carbohydrates are recommended in diabetic cat diets?

Answer 28

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

Question 29

How should insulin be stored?

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Why might glipizide be prescribed for diabetic cats?

Answer 30

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

Question 31

Why is diabetic remission possible in some cats?

Answer 31

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

Question 32

How should water intake be monitored in diabetic cats?

Answer 32

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

Question 33

What is diabetic neuropathy in cats?

Answer 33

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

Question 34

How often should body weight be monitored in diabetic cats?

Answer 34

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

Question 35

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

Answer 35

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

Question 36

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

Answer 36

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

Question 37

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

Answer 37

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

Question 38

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

Answer 38

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

Question 39

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

Answer 39

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

Question 40

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

Answer 40

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

Question 41

How does pancreatitis relate to feline diabetes?

Answer 41

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

Question 42

Why should diabetic cats be fed at regular intervals?

Answer 42

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

Question 43

What is the preferred injection site for insulin in cats?

Answer 43

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

Question 44

Why should owners monitor a diabetic cat’s urine?

Answer 44

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

Question 45

What is the risk of insulin overdose in diabetic cats?

Answer 45

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

Question 46

How does physical inactivity contribute to diabetes in cats?

Answer 46

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

Question 47

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

Answer 47

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

Question 48

What is an ideal blood glucose range for diabetic cats?

Answer 48

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

Question 49

How should diabetic cats be transitioned onto a new diet?

Answer 49

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

Question 50

How often should insulin adjustments be made in diabetic cats?

Answer 50

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

Question 51

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

Answer 51

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

Question 52

Why is weight management important in diabetic cats?

Answer 52

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

Question 53

What is a common complication of untreated feline diabetes?

Answer 53

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

Question 54

How should an insulin pen be used for cats?

Answer 54

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

Question 55

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

Answer 55

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

Question 56

What is home blood glucose monitoring (HMBG)?

Answer 56

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

Question 57

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

Answer 57

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

Question 58

What equipment is essential for monitoring blood glucose at home?

Answer 58

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

Question 59

How long can insulin typically be stored once opened?

Answer 59

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

Question 60

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

Answer 60

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