Insulin is a prescription medication that is commonly used to treat diabetes in cats. It works by regulating the amount of sugar in the blood, which is important for cats with diabetes who cannot produce enough insulin on their own. There are several different types of insulin available for cats, including long-acting and fast-acting options, which are administered through injection. It is important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate insulin dosage and frequency for your cat, as well as to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. In addition to insulin therapy, your veterinarian may recommend changes to your cat's diet and exercise routine to help manage their diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes in your cat include excessive thirst and urination, increased weight loss despite increased appetite, loss of interest, lack of appetite and vomiting.
The cause of diabetes in cats is unknown, although obese cats are the most predisposed to developing the disease.
Treatment for diabetes in cats is focused on managing the disease and typically involves daily insulin injections, which your veterinarian will train you on.
Symptoms of too much insulin include weakness, shaking, convulsions, and unsteadiness.
Feeding your cat a strictly controlled diet can assist in controlling blood glucose levels. Feeding them a special food diet may or may not be completely effective and is more likely to work in cats that do not have severe diabetes. There is ample research that if your cat is newly diagnosed with diabetes, it is possible that short term insulin combined with a prescription diabetes therapeutic diet exclusively could help your cat eventually wean off the insulin (or glargine).