Diabetes in Cats: Understanding and Managing Feline富贵病

Section 1: Causes

1. Feline Obesity

Obesity is a significant threat to a cat's health, acting as a pivotal factor in undermining their wellbeing. When it comes to diabetes, the situation is dire: overweight cats experience a decline in insulin sensitivity, leading to a diabetes risk that is roughly four times higher than that of cats of normal weight. Beyond diabetes, these cats are also prone to conditions like obesity and arthritis. Therefore, it is crucial for owners to manage their cat's weight effectively.

2. Aging Cats

Why do older cats, particularly those over nine years old, become more susceptible to diabetes? It's due to the reduced efficiency of insulin as cats age. This decline in insulin utilization makes them more prone to developing diabetes.

3. Side Effects of Medications

As the saying goes, "Medicine has three parts of poison." Even our feline friends must be cautious when taking medication. Some cats may require longterm hormone therapy for other health issues, which can increase insulin resistance and raise the likelihood of diabetes.

Section 2: Symptoms of the Disease

1. Early signs of diabetes are generally consistent: increased appetite and food intake, along with a rise in water and urine consumption. Despite eating more, cats with diabetes often experience weight loss and appear emaciated.

2. As the condition worsens, cats may exhibit symptoms such as dry and matted fur, excessive sleepiness, weakness, and a lack of interest in play. If your cat shows these signs, it's essential to take them to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Early intervention is key. If the diagnosis rules out diabetes, it's a relief. However, if other issues are detected, early treatment can be lifesaving.

Diagnosis Methods:

Under normal circumstances, a cat's blood glucose level should be between 4.5 and 14 mmol/L. Levels above this range indicate hyperglycemia. However, it's important to distinguish between stressinduced hyperglycemia and persistent hyperglycemia, which requires multiple measurements to confirm the presence of diabetes.

Section 3: Treatment and Care

1. Insulin injections are the most common treatment for feline diabetes. The type and dosage of insulin should be adjusted based on the cat's condition and weight. It is vital for owners to strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions during treatment, ensuring that the insulin dosage is accurate and administered as advised. It's crucial not to deviate from the prescribed regimen, as discontinuing or reducing insulin doses can lead to fluctuating health conditions and hinder recovery.

2.严格控制饮食。患有糖尿病的猫咪应避免高脂肪和高碳水化合物的食物。有条件的宠物主人可以选择专为糖尿病猫设计的处方粮，或根据医生的建议采用无谷干粮。，饮食应根据医生的建议进行合理搭配。

3. Regular Followup. Regular checkups are essential to monitor the cat's health and detect any potential complications early, allowing for timely intervention.

As for the notion that feline diabetes is known as the "disease of affluence," it's clear that overindulgence in food can lead to excessive nutrition and obesity, which, while not the sole cause of diabetes, is undeniably linked. Dr. Oxygen Pet hopes that this information will raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for our feline companions. For the sake of their health, let's ensure our cats stay at a healthy weight!