ST. JOSEPH, Mo., Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Diabetes
isn’t just a human disease. This November – American
Diabetes Month® – pet owners should know that the feline
members of their families could suffer from the condition, too.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form in the United States and
occurs in both cats and people. Feline diabetes, a treatable and
manageable disease on the rise, affects approximately one in 200
cats nationwide.
“Similar to humans, obesity predisposes cats to diabetes, making
diet a major factor in maintaining a cat’s health,” says Ruth
MacPete, DVM, a San Diego based veterinarian. “Feline diabetes,
like most diseases, is easier to treat the earlier it is
diagnosed.”
Early warning signs include:
- Increased thirst
- Sudden increase in appetite
- Sudden weight loss (despite an increase in appetite)
- Increased urination
- Increased lethargy
Most cats with feline diabetes may still maintain an active and
healthy lifestyle. Along with appropriate diet and exercise,
veterinarians often recommend insulin injections.
“Veterinarians are fortunate enough to now have PROZINC®
insulin, the first and only FDA approved long-acting insulin for
cats, available to help them effectively regulate their feline
diabetic patients,” says MacPete. As with all insulins, cats
should be evaluated for pre-existing conditions and currently
prescribed medications prior to treatment with PROZINC. Routine
monitoring of clinical signs and blood parameters, such as glucose
and fructosamine, is essential to maintain a regulated cat.
While November is American Diabetes Month®, pet owners
should monitor their cats for symptoms of feline diabetes
year-round. The American Association of Feline Practitioners
recommends that a veterinarian examine cats at least once a year
and twice annually if they are over the age
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