Why Cats Get Diabetes

Diabetes is an endocrine disease where too little insulin or poor insulin response raises blood sugar, disturbing carbs, protein and fat and causing electrolyte imbalance. Cats have three types (I insulin-dependent, II non-insulin-dependent, III secondary); type II is common and, happily, preventable. The real drivers are diet and exercise, not just 'obesity' - high-carbohydrate commercial kibble turns to fat in a short gut that needs little carbohydrate. Signs: excessive drinking and eating with weight loss, 3-5x urine, walking difficulty, and late ataxia even paralysis. Complications bring lethargy, dull coat, vomiting, dehydration, sweet breath, coma. Prevent and treat with fixed high-protein, low-carb meals, regular activity, weight and check-up monitoring; many cats live well with medicine and good management.