Feline Diabetes Guide: Symptoms, Remission, and the Best Diet for Cats
Introduction Diabetes Mellitus is the most frequent endocrine disorder in felines. It is characterized by insufficient insulin production and the inability to use insulin, causing hyperglycemia . Obese and inactive cats have higher risks of developing diabetes mellitus. In Type 2 Diabetes, the body's cells become resistant to insulin, preventing glucose from being used as energy. Pathophysiology of Feline Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes Mellitus in cats is a multi-step process comprising Insulin Resistance and Beta-cell Dysfunction . 1. Insulin Resistance (The Cellular Barrier) Insulin serves as a "key" to lock onto cell receptors and open the cells up to glucose uptake. In diabetic cats (most commonly obese cats), cells become resistant to insulin. Role of Obesity: Adipose tissue releases inflammatory cytokines and adipokines which disrupt insulin signalling. Result: Despite sufficient amounts of insulin, cells become unable to let glucose in, thus causing hyperglycaemia. ...