Diabetes is increasingly common in the human population of the United States, and it occurs in cats as well; it can be diagnosed by a Winchester veterinary hospital. In diabetes, the body's production of insulin is impaired, or the cells of the body do not respond to it properly; either way, levels of glucose in the body are not regulated. The body's cells need glucose for energy. The glucose that cannot enter the cells accumulates in the urine and bloodstream; meanwhile, the body breaks down muscle to try to feed the undernourished cells.
Although diabetes can be found in any cat, cats which develop it are usually male, neutered, overweight, and more than 6 years old. A cat with diabetes will produce urine more frequently and at greater quantities; it will also be noticeably hungrier and thirstier. These symptoms can lead the owner to take the cat to a Winchester veterinary hospital for evaluation. Sometimes, however, the cat will manifest damage in its eyes, nerves, or kidneys before a diagnosis is made; in these cases the condition is already advanced.
Diagnosis is made by testing of blood and urine, in addition to physical examination. Once a diagnosis has been established, the cat's condition must be stabilized; this could mean hospitalization for a short time to reset and monitor glucose levels and possibly rehydrate the animal as well. Diabetes in cats can be managed with pills or with insulin injections given by the owner; the Winchester veterinary hospital can demonstrate this to the owner when the cat is sent home. In addition to insulin, diet can be used to manage the condition. The vet will often prescribe a special food (a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is recommended), and diabetes makes it very important to feed the cat at regular times each day.
Keeping track of a diabetic cat's health means staying attuned to how much the cat eats, drinks, and urinates and staying attuned to its overall condition and behavior. The cat's glucose levels will also need to be monitored either at home (your Winchester veterinary hospital can advise about this) or through regular testing by your vet.
A diagnosis of diabetes, particularly if it is made early, does not have to mean a shortened life span for your cat or even overt manifestations of illness. In some cases, the cat even begins to self-regulate after a period of treatment and goes on to live a relatively healthy life free of intervention. Partnering with your Winchester veterinary hospital in managing your cat's diabetes is the best way for helping your cat lead the most healthful life possible.
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