Disclaimer: the information provided below is not intended to replace or override the advice of your veterinarian. Both the author and the site owner assume that this information will be used to work with your vet in planning the best treatment plan for your cat

• HOW DO CATS DEVELOP DIABETES?
• HOW IS DIABETES DIAGNOSED?
• WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMPLICATIONS THAT CAN ARISE FROM DIABETES?
• WHAT DIETARY MODIFICATIONS SHOULD I MAKE FOR MY DIABETIC CAT?
• WHAT TREATMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE FOR DIABETES?

HOW DO CATS DEVELOP DIABETES?

When kitty's pancreas does not produce (enough) insulin, s/he can develop diabetes.  In a normal kitty, eating stimulates insulin production in the pancreas.  But when this feedback loop is out of whack, the pancreas does not read the signal given by the body when it eats, and does not produce insulin.

Sometimes the pancreas does indeed produce insulin but this isn't absorbed by the cells in the body which usually take the glucose that is a by-product of digestion.  So the insulin is in the bloodstream but not in the tissues/cells where it is needed for energy.  These high levels of blood sugar spill over and are excreted in the cat's urine.

Obesity has been linked with diabetes as well; yet another reason to ensure one's cat isn't overweight.

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HOW IS DIABETES DIAGNOSED?

A CBC can be used to detect diabetes based on the blood sugar value.   Usually a blood sugar value higher than 70 - 120 mg/dl indicates cause for concern. A vigilant human companion can also often detect the following signs:

• frequent or excessive drinking
• frequent or excessive urination
• weight loss in spite of the fact that kitty has a good appetite and eats well.
• sweet breath from high blood sugar levels

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMPLICATIONS THAT CAN ARISE FROM DIABETES?

Since there is too much glucose in the cat's bloodstream, the kidneys work overtime to get this out of the system. This is why you see kitty urinating frequently (the urine is dilute and has a lot of sugar in it).  Thus, diabetes can sometimes lead to renal failure (CRF).  If this happens, on the CBC, you will see high levels of BUN and Creatinine.

Cats with diabetes can also develop cataracts in their eyes. They are at higher risk of pancreatitis, and male cats can also be more prone to cystitis/FLUTD.  Liver damage can also occur in cats from elevated ketone levels in the body (from breaking down fats for energy).

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WHAT DIETARY MODIFICATIONS SHOULD I MAKE FOR MY DIABETIC CAT?

• Feed your cat small frequent meals.
• Make sure his/her diet has no simple carbohydrates which are converted into sugar very quickly in the body.
• Include lots of fiber in the diet.  Psyllium husk mixed with water, is an excellent source of soluble fiber.  It has apparently been used very successfully in diabetes prevention, as well as treatment.
• Feed lean cuts of meat, and do not add extra fat to kitty's diet.
• Diane Stein recommends the following: goats milk to help "over-acidity", garlic as a "cleanser, blood sugar balancer and antiseptic", and kelp for its high iodine content. She also says "Bean pod tea is another blood sugar balancer. The pods of green beans contain an insulin like hormone that helps control diabetes. Add raw green beans to your pet's diet, put them in a juicer with carrots and other vegetables or brew bean pod tea with fresh green beans or with dried bean pods from an herb shop or health food store."
• Dr. Pitcairn recommends brewer's yeast in the food.  Be aware that cats can be allergic to brewer's yeast.
• Keep Karo syrup or honey on hand if kitty becomes hypoglycemic or starts shaking.  Rub some along gums to bring blood sugar levels up.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE FOR DIABETES?

Allopathic treatment consists of insulin injections.  Sometimes, one doesn't really have a choice so this is the only option.  Other times, one can cut back on insulin injections (with guidance from a vet, of course) by monitoring urine output, water intake, etc.  Also, dipsticks can be used to check blood sugar levels; some people think this is not a good idea because they are made for human use.  Insulin injections are not without risk as too much can send a kitty into insulin shock, and kill him/her.  But a cat not getting enough insulin can go into a diabetic coma.  So this is a very tricky disease indeed.

Insulin for pets is made from pork and beef  but sometimes human insulin is used as well.  There are strict guidelines on the storage, and administration of insulin injections; several web sites/books have excellent detailed information on this as well on the best type of syringe to use.

The injection site for insulin is extremely important, as it shouldn't get into the bloodstream too quickly (can cause death due to overdose), or get into a fatty area from where it will not be absorbed fast enough.  It is best to use the area where most people give subcutaneous (SQ) fluids - the scruff of the neck, by making a tent out of the skin, and injecting there.

Non-allopathic options include herbs, supplements and homeopathic remedies:

Herbs

• The herbs Stevia, and Holy Basil Leaf have shown great promise in the treatment of diabetes in humans.  The herbalist Juliette De Bairacali Levy recommends plain old olive leaf extract.  So if you cannot find Holy Basil leaf, olive leaf might be a good option.
• The Chinese herb He Shou Wu a.k.a. Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is a tonic used in Chinese medicine for treating diabetes and hypoglycemia.  It is safe for long-term use.  As with any herb, it is best to take a few days on, and a few days off, to reduce the body's dependence on it.
• Yarrow has a chemical composition similar to insulin.
• Alfalfa is a nutrient, detoxifier and blood sugar balancer important for this disease.
• Other herbs such as dandelion, parsley, and buchu which help the kidneys flush toxins can help.  Parsley is not high in potassium but Dandelion is, so it is the safest of the three herbs to use long-term.
• Some authors recommend Goldenseal but besides the fact that it is being harvested to extinction, it is not safe long-term.  Consider other options such as Barberry and Burdock Root for their blood cleansing effect(s).
• Siberian Ginseng, a great adaptogen, can be useful.  Avoid Panax (Red Korean) Ginseng which is very stimulating.   American Indians have used a relative of Ginseng called Devil's Club (Panax horridum) for diabetes treatment.
• Anitra Frazier recommends a tea made of dill seed or horsetail grass with each meal.  Horsetail is contraindicated for high blood pressure so be careful with this herb.

Supplements

• Vitamin E  in humans has been shown to help diabetics cut way back on their need for insulin.  One can give cats 50-100 IU daily.
• Pancreatic enzymes to help the pancreas do its job.  This too can help cut down on insulin usage.
• Pancreas glandulars can help too.  Glandulars are made from animal tissue.   Look for a brand that uses organic, good quality glandular material.
• Water-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin B-Complex and C - ascorbic acid is a little rough on the stomach so calcium or sodium ascorbate  might be a better idea.  Can give up to 1,000 mg a day.  Cut back if kitty gets diarrhea from it.
• Liquid Chlorophyll is purported to help balance blood sugar levels.
• Trace minerals can be useful as well as chromium, zinc and manganese help to balance blood sugar.  This is safer than giving Chromium Picolinate, on which even for humans, the jury is still out as to it's safety and efficacy.
• Liquid lecithin - 1/2 tsp to 1 tbsp per day (Stein's recommendation)

Homeopathic remedies (some suggestions from Dr. Pitcairn and Dr. MacLeod)

• Syzygium: Has effect on pancreatic function
• Uran nit: General dropsy and emaciation accompany the need for this remedy. Increased urination is present and mucous membranes become dry. Abdominal bloating is prominent.
• Iris Vers: Also indicated when there are loose light-colored stools.  Acts well on the pancreas.
• Natrum muriaticum: suitable for usually have appetite problems and a marked weight loss.  Sugar will be detected in the urine, and there will be a tendency to anxiety and fearfulness.

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Sources Consulted:

• Bairacli-Levy, Juliette. The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat. 1995.
• Lazarus, Pat. Keep Your Cat Healthy the Natural Way. 1999.
• Pitcairn, Richard H. DVM, PhD and Susan Hubble Pitcairn.  Dr. Pitcairn's Complete  Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. 1995.
• Stein, Dane. The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs and Cats. 1994.

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