Diabetes
Insulin deficiency or poor response disrupts blood sugar control; risk is higher in middle-aged, senior, and overweight cats and dogs.
What Is Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the body can't properly use insulin to regulate blood sugar, leading to chronically elevated blood glucose. Feline diabetes is mostly Type 2 (similar to insulin resistance in humans) and is strongly linked to obesity; canine diabetes is mostly Type 1, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.
At-Risk Groups
Middle-aged, senior, and overweight cats and dogs have notably higher risk; certain dog breeds like Miniature Poodles and Dachshunds are more prone. Cats have no particularly high-risk breed, but obese cats can have several times the risk of cats at a healthy weight.
Common Signs
Normal or increased appetite but continued weight loss; noticeably increased drinking and urination; low energy and lethargy. If a cat shows weakness in the hind legs or walks flat-footed on its hocks (a plantigrade stance), this is a warning sign of diabetic neuropathy — seek veterinary care right away.
Diagnosis and Care
Diabetes can't be confirmed through home observation alone — it requires a vet's blood and urine tests. Once diagnosed, daily insulin injections at set times are usually needed, along with a low-carbohydrate diet and regular follow-up blood glucose curve monitoring. With good management, cats and dogs can still enjoy a good quality of life.
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A chronic-care app for cats and dogs: daily logs, trend charts, blood test OCR, and medication reminders — all your pet's health data in one place.
Sources:
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- Cornell Feline Health Center
This site is for general reference only and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis. If your cat shows unusual signs, please see a vet promptly.