Diabetes is more common than people think, mainly in middle-aged or older and overweight pets. The good news? if we catch it early, we avoid serious, even fatal complications.
The classic signs
They usually show up together:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Weight loss even though it's eating normally — or more
- Lethargy, dull coat
- In cats: weakness in the hind legs
Water is an "indicator"
Increased water intake is very often the first visible sign. Take a look at the water-intake calculator — if it's over normal, a check is worthwhile.
Why it happens
Put simply: the body can't use glucose properly, either because insulin is missing or because it no longer "listens". So blood sugar rises and overflows into the urine, dragging water along with it — and there's your explanation for the thirst.
How we reach a diagnosis
With blood glucose, urinalysis and fructosamine — the last one shows the average and gets us past the "stress" that raises a cat's sugar. It's all done here at the clinic.
Management
Most cases are very well controlled with insulin and a steady diet. With consistency, pets live perfectly well — and, if we catch it early, some cats even go into remission.