Diagnosing Feline Diabetes
Diagnosis of diabetes is made by performing a complete blood count, biochemical profile, urinalysis, and noting appropriate history signs (changes in thirst, body weight, urinations etc.). The veterinarian may use a machine (e.g., Glucometer®) to measure blood sugars over a period of time to make sure that blood sugar elevations are caused by diabetes and not due to a peak from stress. Cats can develop quite a high blood sugar while stressed, but if the sugar is up due to stress, it will not stay elevated. Stress induced sugar elevation will also not produce changes at home such as thirst, appetite, and weight changes.
The urine sugar level is also elevated in diabetes, but is not used alone to diagnose this condition. More importantly, the urine sample helps to quickly check for ketones, a metabolic by-product that can indicate complications of diabetes that require intensive intervention. Blood insulin levels are also available, but in the cat may not help distinguish Type I and II forms. Glucose tolerance tests are widely used in humans for diagnosis, but because of quirks of the feline species, it is not used as a screening test in cats. Two other blood tests can measure longer term blood sugar trends and are an excellent way to distinguish true diabetes from stress hyperglycemia. These must be sent out to a laboratory for analysis.
Still Have Questions?
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian. PetWave disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information view our Terms of Service.