DM3 Pt6-2 Diabetes mellitus Flashcards

1
Q

What is the estimated incidence of feline diabetes mellitus in the UK?

A

Nearly 1 in 200 cats are diabetic.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What type of diabetes mellitus is most common in cats?

A

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the three current treatment goals for managing feline diabetes mellitus?

A

Early detection, aggressive treatment early in the course of the disease, and aiming for transient diabetes with temporary insulin use.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is transient diabetes mellitus in cats?

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

In what percentage of cats may diabetes mellitus be transient?

A

Diabetes mellitus may be transient in 50-60% of cats if diagnosed early and treated appropriately.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What factor plays a significant role in the development of feline diabetes mellitus?

A

Obesity is a major factor contributing to the development of diabetes in cats.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How can appropriate weight management impact diabetic cats?

A

Weight loss can significantly reduce insulin requirements and may even reverse the need for exogenous insulin.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the role of veterinary nurses in managing feline diabetes?

A

Nurses play a vital role in preventing diabetes through obesity management, early detection, educating owners, and increasing treatment compliance.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What can trigger a return to insulin dependence in cats with transient diabetes?

A

Cats may revert to an insulin-dependent state due to factors like obesity or corticosteroid treatment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

When does transient diabetes most commonly occur in diabetic cats?

A

Transient diabetes typically occurs within 1-3 months of initiating insulin treatment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

At what age are cats most commonly at risk of developing diabetes mellitus?

A

Cats in the “mature adult” life stage (7-10 years old) are most commonly affected, though diabetes can occur at any age.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are some risk factors for feline diabetes mellitus?

A

Male neutered cats, Burmese cats, indoor sedentary cats, obese cats (>5kg), and cats receiving corticosteroid or progestogen treatment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the increased risk for Burmese cats of developing diabetes?

A

Burmese cats in the UK have a 1 in 53 chance of developing diabetes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Why is routine screening important for at-risk cats?

A

Routine screening allows for earlier detection of diabetes, which can increase the likelihood of transient diabetes mellitus.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How can client education help in preventing diabetes in at-risk cats?

A

Educating owners about managing obesity and promoting exercise can help prevent diabetes in at-risk cats.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the risk associated with diabetogenic drugs like corticosteroids?

A

Cats receiving diabetogenic drugs are at risk of developing diabetes and should be monitored regularly.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

How often should urinalysis be performed in cats to detect diabetes mellitus early?

A

Annual urinalysis should be performed in all cats aged 7 years and older, and every 3-6 months for at-risk cats.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What special considerations should be made for diabetic screening in Burmese, obese, indoor cats, or those on diabetogenic drugs?

A

Increased frequency of urinalysis, every 3-6 months, and vigilance in cats with 2 or more risk factors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What can be used for home urine sampling in cats?

A

Non-absorbent litter like Katkor, Mikki litter, or aquarium gravel can be used for home urine sampling.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What test should follow-up a high blood glucose or glucosuria result?

A

A serum fructosamine measurement should be performed to confirm or rule out diabetes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What clinical steps can be taken to help detect feline diabetes earlier in practice?

A

Adding blood glucose measurement to the pre-anaesthetic protocol for cats over 7 years old and regular weight monitoring and body condition scoring.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What key topics should a nurse cover when educating a client about feline diabetes?

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Why is it important for owners to understand diabetes and its implications?

A

Understanding diabetes helps improve compliance with treatment and long-term disease management.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is an important tip for administering insulin injections in cats?

A

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 well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

How can nurses help reduce owners’ anxiety about injecting insulin into their cat?

A

Demonstrate the injection technique and allow the owner to practice, providing reassurance that using the same site occasionally is not harmful.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What should owners monitor to prevent complications from diabetes treatment?

A

Owners should monitor for signs of hypoglycaemia, obtain urine samples for testing, and use ketostix to check for ketones.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Why is dietary management important for diabetic cats?

A

Proper diet helps regulate blood glucose levels and manage obesity, which can impact insulin requirements.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is the nurse’s role in follow-up appointments for diabetic cats?

A

Explain what will be monitored (e.g., blood glucose curves), why it’s important, and the procedure for follow-up appointments.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

How does insulin licensing vary across countries?

A

In some countries, Glargine (a human insulin) is frequently used with a tight regimen that typically includes home blood testing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What should owners be taught about insulin storage?

A

Insulin should be stored properly, typically in the refrigerator, to maintain its effectiveness.

31
Q

What is the role of home monitoring in managing feline diabetes?

A

Home monitoring allows for better glucose control, helps detect hypoglycaemia early, and may include blood glucose testing.

32
Q

Why is insulin therapy unpredictable in cats?

A

Cats can respond unpredictably to insulin, and no single type or dosing regimen is suitable for all cats.

33
Q

How often should insulin doses be increased for diabetic cats?

A

Insulin doses should be increased by no more than 0.5 IU per injection, and no more frequently than every 3-5 days.

34
Q

What dosing regime is generally more effective for diabetic cats?

A

Twice daily insulin dosing is usually more effective.

35
Q

What should owners do if they cannot strictly adhere to a twice-daily insulin dosing schedule?

A

It is better to have a less strict regime, such as 5 days of twice daily dosing and 2 days of once daily dosing, than to euthanize the cat due to worry about dosing.

36
Q

What type of diet is recommended for diabetic cats of any body weight?

A

A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is recommended for diabetic cats of any body weight.

37
Q

Why are wet diets preferable for diabetic cats?

A

Wet foods tend to contain lower proportions of carbohydrates compared to dry foods, which leads to better glycaemic control.

38
Q

What are some recommended prescription diets for diabetic cats?

A

High protein, low carbohydrate diets like Nestle Purina DM are recommended.

39
Q

What should owners look for in supermarket diets if prescription diets are not an option?

A

Owners should look for the lowest carbohydrate and highest protein proportions in supermarket diets.

40
Q

Is it necessary to have a strict insulin administration schedule related to feeding?

A

No, cats do not develop significant post-prandial hyperglycaemia, so a strict feeding and insulin administration schedule is not necessary.

41
Q

When is the most practical time to administer insulin to cats?

A

During or after feeding, to ensure the cat has eaten before insulin is given.

42
Q

How should the feeding regime be managed for cats that graze throughout the day?

A

Cats that graze can continue this regime as long as they are not gaining weight, and the amount of food eaten daily should be monitored.

43
Q

What dietary consideration should be made for diabetic cats with concurrent chronic renal disease?

A

A diet with lower protein content may be considered if chronic renal disease is present.

44
Q

What high-protein treats are recommended for diabetic cats if the owner insists on giving treats?

A

Chicken or fish are good high-protein treat options for diabetic cats.

45
Q

What key parameters should owners record to monitor diabetic control in cats?

A

Weight, body condition score, demeanour, appetite, thirst, coat condition, urination, blood glucose (if monitored), and urinalysis.

46
Q

What should owners track regarding their cat’s urination to monitor diabetes?

A

Owners can weigh the litter tray regularly to subjectively monitor changes in urination patterns.

47
Q

Why is it important for owners to keep a diary when monitoring their diabetic cat?

A

A diary helps track clinical signs and changes, allowing for better assessment of diabetic control.

48
Q

What role does urinalysis play in monitoring diabetic cats?

A

Urinalysis can check for remission (absence of glucose) or the presence of ketones, which may indicate ketoacidosis.

49
Q

Why should insulin doses not be adjusted based solely on urine glucose levels?

A

Urine glucose is not a reliable indicator for adjusting insulin doses, and frequent measurement may lead to owners making inappropriate dose adjustments.

50
Q

When can monitoring urine for glucose be useful in diabetic cats?

A

It is useful in detecting transient diabetes when insulin requirements are reducing, indicated by the absence of glucosuria.

51
Q

How should owners monitor their cat’s thirst for diabetic control?

A

A subjective assessment (e.g., drinking less, more, or the same) is valuable, as measuring exact water intake is often impractical.

52
Q

What can the absence of glucose in the urine suggest in a diabetic cat?

A

The absence of glucose may indicate remission or improved glycaemic control.

53
Q

What should owners monitor for to detect early stages of ketoacidosis?

A

Periodic checks for urine ketones can help detect developing ketoacidosis before the cat becomes clinically unwell.

54
Q

Why is it important for veterinary nurses to be supportive when monitoring diabetic cats?

A

Providing a sympathetic and supportive ear to clients can greatly improve compliance and ensure successful long-term management.

55
Q

What are two key challenges when hospitalizing diabetic cats?

A

Stress-induced hyperglycaemia and stress-related anorexia, both of which can complicate blood glucose interpretation.

56
Q

What principles should be followed to reduce stress in hospitalized diabetic cats?

A

Following “Cat Friendly Practice” principles can reduce stress and improve management outcomes for diabetic cats.

57
Q

What minimally invasive blood sampling technique is often better tolerated by diabetic cats?

A

The ear vein technique is less invasive and may be better tolerated by diabetic cats.

58
Q

What is a benefit of home blood glucose monitoring in diabetic cats?

A

It allows for accurate readings without the stress of hospitalization, making it easier to manage difficult-to-stabilize cats.

59
Q

What is the goal of performing a blood glucose curve (BGC) in a diabetic cat?

A

To identify the nadir blood glucose concentration, evaluate the duration of insulin effect, and check for Somogyi overswing.

60
Q

How is a blood glucose curve (BGC) performed?

A

After giving the cat its usual breakfast and insulin dose, blood glucose levels are checked every 1-2 hours over a 12-24 hour period.

61
Q

What is the target blood glucose range for diabetic cats during a BGC?

A

The target blood glucose concentration is between 5-14 mmol/L.

62
Q

How is the peripheral ear vein sampling performed in diabetic cats?

A

Warm the ear, apply Vaseline to prevent blood from running, hold the ear firmly, and pierce the peripheral ear vein with a needle or lancet to collect blood.

63
Q

Why is Vaseline applied to the ear during ear vein sampling?

A

To prevent the blood from running into the cat’s hair coat, making the sample easier to collect.

64
Q

What tool is used to measure the blood glucose concentration in diabetic cats?

A

A glucometer is used, either directly applied to the blood sample or using a test strip.

65
Q

How often should stabilized diabetic cats be reassessed?

A

Every 3-6 months.

66
Q

What minimum checks should be performed during a diabetic reassessment?

A

Discussion with the owner about the diabetic diary, full physical exam, weight and body condition scoring, serum fructosamine measurement.

67
Q

What additional tests are useful during diabetic reassessments?

A

Blood pressure measurement, full urinalysis (including UPC and culture), routine haematology, and serum biochemistry.

68
Q

Why is the owner’s diabetic diary important during check-ups?

A

The diary provides valuable insights into clinical signs, dietary changes, and trends that help manage the cat’s diabetes.

69
Q

What signs may indicate that a diabetic cat no longer needs exogenous insulin?

A

Low blood glucose (<10mmol/L) before insulin administration, low/normal fructosamine concentration, persistent absence of glucosuria.

70
Q

Why is client education important at the initial consult for diabetic cats?

A

Providing sufficient information about the disease, expected stabilization time, and insulin needs helps set realistic expectations and improve compliance.

71
Q

How can nurses support owners in managing diabetic cats?

A

By offering advice on insulin administration, answering questions, providing tips on home monitoring, and discussing concerns to reduce owner anxiety about handling insulin.

72
Q

What is the importance of being flexible with feeding and insulin schedules?

A

Flexibility helps owners manage treatment, and missing occasional insulin doses is better than not treating the cat at all.

73
Q

What are potential signs of transient diabetes in cats?

A

A drop in blood glucose levels, normal fructosamine, and absence of glucosuria can indicate that a cat no longer needs insulin.

74
Q

What is diabetic neuropathy, and how is it managed in cats?

A

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar, and it may not recover even after blood glucose control is achieved.