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Feline Diabetes Symptoms (Diabetes Mellitus)

* Weight loss due to the body's inability to handle glucose
* Vomiting
* Weakness
* Abnormal Breathing
* Dehydration
* Poor skin condition
* Poor coat condition
* Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
* Excessive urination (polyuria)
* Ravenous appetite
* Liver disease
* Weakness in hind legs (diabetes neuropathy)
* May become blind (if diabetes is not diagnosed and regulated)

* Kidney problems may develop (if diabetes is not diagnosed and regulated)
* Can eventually develop ketoacidosis as well (life threatening)

These are the symptoms that you should look for if you suspect your cat has diabetes and problems that can arise if left undiagnosed or untreated.

Keep in mind that there are two different types of diabetes that can be found in felines. The first one is: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), this type of diabetes is pretty much self explanatory. Approximately to of cats have IDDM, thus require insulin injections. IDDM is develops due insufficient production of hormones, insulin, by inadequate response of the body's cells to insulin, or by the pancreas.

The second type of diabetes in felines is known as; Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), this type can be caused by medications or diseases that impair the natural secretion of insulin, or its effects on tissues. With NIDDM high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) can develop due to the feline's inability to bread down and use glucose properly. In turn this causes sugar to appear in the urine (glucosuria) and causes excess amounts of urination (polyuria).

The "exact" causes for IDDM and NIDDM is unknown, and it has been a noted that diabetes occurs most often in obese males, but can affect any cat, of any age, sex, or breed. A study has shown that Burmese cats in New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom are prone to developing diabetes; however this is not the case in North America.

If you suspect your cat has diabetes, don't wait. Take your furry friend to the vet, the longer you put it off the worse it can get.

Information gathered from the following sites:
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc /brochures/diabetes.html#top
http://www.felineinstincts.com /felinediabetesinformation.htm l

Learn more about this author, Gretchen Parent.
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