Diabetes Mellitus is a hormonal ailment that influences themetabolism of glucose. It is divided into two types, I and II. Type Iis characterized by a decreased production of the hormone insulin frompancreas whereas Type II, uncommon in cats, occurs owing to theinability of cells of the body to uptake and consume glucose. At timesthere is a third type, Transient Diabetes, seen in cats in which theailment comes and goes.

A disease of middle-aged and olderfelines, Diabetes occurs more commonly in male cats. Risk factorsinclude obesity, diet, genetics and damage to pancreas. Clinicalmanifestations are increased thirst, diet and urination, weight loss,skin and hair changes and liver and kidney disease. There is lethargy,weakness of hind legs and wobbly gait. Often these, alongside urinationoutside the litter box, are the first signs that the cat owner maynotice of this insidious illness.

Once the diagnosis is reachedthrough analysis of urinary and blood glucose levels, treatment isinitiated. In the majority of cases it involves a regimen of insulininjections. In Type II disease, oral hypoglycemic agents are given attimes. Though this is rare and it is often easier for owners to injecttheir cats than feed them pills. Even though there is no cure forDiabetes, prompt and appropriate treatment ensures that the diseasedcats live a normal and healthy life.

Diabetic cats are usuallyadvised a prescription diet. It is important to feed the cats this atregular times through the day alongside the insulin dosage. It isequally significant to ensure that the cats get regular exercise. Forif any of the three elements - insulin dose, dietary intake andexercise - are out of sync with each other, the glucose balance of theanimal may be altered. If all the three aspects are maintained undercontrol though, the cat can be expected to live a long and happy life.