Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)
In this hormonal condition, the cat is unable to control his blood-sugar levels.Symptoms
Increased appetite, particularly if coupled with other symptoms such as an increase in the amount of urine passed, lethargy, weight loss and maybe cataracts. Very often,
Causes
A lack of insulin (produced by the pancreas) or an increase in blood- sugar levels (hyperglycaemia). It is most common in cats over 8 years of age. Due to the increased levels of progesterone (a hormone) in the blood during phantom or pseudo pregnancies, unspayed queens are said to be more than three times more susceptible to diabetes mellitus, and obese cats of either sex are also at increased risk.
What to do
Take any cat showing symptoms of diabetes for examination by a vet as soon as possible.
Treatment
Treatment for this condition- is likely to be long-term, as your cat may need regular insulin injections and other treatment, so the costs in terms of both time and money will be fairly high. Typically, you will need to collect and test a sample of urine from your cat every morning to check the glucose levels, calculate the amount of insulin needed and administer it by injection, and feed your cat an extremely regulated (high-fibre) diet at specific times. Your vet will advise you on all of these matters. In queens, spaying will keep the cat's condition stable.
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