Diagnosis of diabetes in cats

The signs of diabetes mellitus suggest that your cat is a diabetic. The diagnosis needs to be confirmed by your veterinary surgeon.

Signs of Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is one of many different diseases that can affect your cat. Other diseases can also produce the same signs. If any of the following apply to your cat, consult your veterinary surgeon:

1. Drinks a lot of water
2. Urinates frequently
3. Is always hungry
4. Has lost weight despite eating more

Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus by your veterinary surgeon

The above signs are suggestive of diabetes mellitus but they are also seen in other diseases. This is why your cat needs to be examined thoroughly by your veterinary surgeon.

Urine sampling

Your veterinary surgeon may first examine a urine sample to determine if there is glucose in the urine and/or a urinary tract infection.

Blood sampling

To confirm the diagnosis, your veterinary surgeon will take a blood sample and determine the glucose or "sugar" in your cat’s blood.

If the blood glucose concentration is consistently higher than normal, it may indicate that your cat's pancreas is not secreting (enough) insulin. Alternatively, it may indicate that your cat’s body is "resistant" to the insulin it’s pancreas is producing. In both cases, your cat is suffering from diabetes mellitus.

General examination

Your veterinary surgeon will also check your cat’s general health (to rule out the presence of other diseases or infections.) This is very important as infections and some diseases can be obstacles to the treatment of diabetes mellitus.