DM3 Pt6-2 Diabetes mellitus Flashcards
What is the estimated incidence of feline diabetes mellitus in the UK?
Nearly 1 in 200 cats are diabetic.
What type of diabetes mellitus is most common in cats?
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion.
What are the three current treatment goals for managing feline diabetes mellitus?
Early detection, aggressive treatment early in the course of the disease, and aiming for transient diabetes with temporary insulin use.
What is transient diabetes mellitus in cats?
Transient diabetes refers to a temporary state where the cat may no longer need exogenous insulin after initial treatment, though it may revert to insulin dependence later.
In what percentage of cats may diabetes mellitus be transient?
Diabetes mellitus may be transient in 50-60% of cats if diagnosed early and treated appropriately.
What factor plays a significant role in the development of feline diabetes mellitus?
Obesity is a major factor contributing to the development of diabetes in cats.
How can appropriate weight management impact diabetic cats?
Weight loss can significantly reduce insulin requirements and may even reverse the need for exogenous insulin.
What is the role of veterinary nurses in managing feline diabetes?
Nurses play a vital role in preventing diabetes through obesity management, early detection, educating owners, and increasing treatment compliance.
What can trigger a return to insulin dependence in cats with transient diabetes?
Cats may revert to an insulin-dependent state due to factors like obesity or corticosteroid treatment.
When does transient diabetes most commonly occur in diabetic cats?
Transient diabetes typically occurs within 1-3 months of initiating insulin treatment.
At what age are cats most commonly at risk of developing diabetes mellitus?
Cats in the “mature adult” life stage (7-10 years old) are most commonly affected, though diabetes can occur at any age.
What are some risk factors for feline diabetes mellitus?
Male neutered cats, Burmese cats, indoor sedentary cats, obese cats (>5kg), and cats receiving corticosteroid or progestogen treatment.
What is the increased risk for Burmese cats of developing diabetes?
Burmese cats in the UK have a 1 in 53 chance of developing diabetes.
Why is routine screening important for at-risk cats?
Routine screening allows for earlier detection of diabetes, which can increase the likelihood of transient diabetes mellitus.
How can client education help in preventing diabetes in at-risk cats?
Educating owners about managing obesity and promoting exercise can help prevent diabetes in at-risk cats.
What is the risk associated with diabetogenic drugs like corticosteroids?
Cats receiving diabetogenic drugs are at risk of developing diabetes and should be monitored regularly.
How often should urinalysis be performed in cats to detect diabetes mellitus early?
Annual urinalysis should be performed in all cats aged 7 years and older, and every 3-6 months for at-risk cats.
What special considerations should be made for diabetic screening in Burmese, obese, indoor cats, or those on diabetogenic drugs?
Increased frequency of urinalysis, every 3-6 months, and vigilance in cats with 2 or more risk factors.
What can be used for home urine sampling in cats?
Non-absorbent litter like Katkor, Mikki litter, or aquarium gravel can be used for home urine sampling.
What test should follow-up a high blood glucose or glucosuria result?
A serum fructosamine measurement should be performed to confirm or rule out diabetes.
What clinical steps can be taken to help detect feline diabetes earlier in practice?
Adding blood glucose measurement to the pre-anaesthetic protocol for cats over 7 years old and regular weight monitoring and body condition scoring.
What key topics should a nurse cover when educating a client about feline diabetes?
Client education on the disease, addressing additional concerns (e.g., obesity), insulin storage, drawing up doses, administering insulin, monitoring for hypoglycaemia, urine sampling, dietary management, follow-up appointments, and home monitoring.
Why is it important for owners to understand diabetes and its implications?
Understanding diabetes helps improve compliance with treatment and long-term disease management.
What is an important tip for administering insulin injections in cats?
Advise owners to rotate the injection site to reduce the risk of reduced insulin absorption. The scruff of the neck can be divided into four, with the site changed daily.
How can nurses help reduce owners’ anxiety about injecting insulin into their cat?
Demonstrate the injection technique and allow the owner to practice, providing reassurance that using the same site occasionally is not harmful.
What should owners monitor to prevent complications from diabetes treatment?
Owners should monitor for signs of hypoglycaemia, obtain urine samples for testing, and use ketostix to check for ketones.
Why is dietary management important for diabetic cats?
Proper diet helps regulate blood glucose levels and manage obesity, which can impact insulin requirements.
What is the nurse’s role in follow-up appointments for diabetic cats?
Explain what will be monitored (e.g., blood glucose curves), why it’s important, and the procedure for follow-up appointments.
How does insulin licensing vary across countries?
In some countries, Glargine (a human insulin) is frequently used with a tight regimen that typically includes home blood testing.