What type of diabetes cats have?
- Thread starter katerina
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Susie and Moochie
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Apparently they can have either type but the assumption with most is that it is Type II since most of them are older, often overweight, often on high carb diets and not getting the exercise that they could = all of the same issues behind human Type II diabetes.
I don't believe there is a test to tell which type they have but the evidence generally points to Type II. Also, since many of our diabetics here go off of insulin with a diet change and careful treatment it seems unlikely that they have Type I.
I don't believe there is a test to tell which type they have but the evidence generally points to Type II. Also, since many of our diabetics here go off of insulin with a diet change and careful treatment it seems unlikely that they have Type I.
It's a common misconception, but needing insulin does not mean the diabetes is Type I (in people or cats). Many Type 2 diabetics require insulin - either from the beginning, or as a progression of the disease.
This is a bit of a general overview, but basically, in Type 1, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed them. There is no chance of coming off insulin with Type 1.
Type 2 is often caused by insulin resistance, where the body cannot properly use the insulin that is being produced. (i.e. there is usually insulin production occurring, but it is not getting into the cells.) Over time, the insulin production can actually decrease. Diet change, losing weight, etc. are generally used as the first line of treatment, but extra insulin may eventually be required. Some studies show that in type 2 diabetes, there is a steady decline of beta cells that adds to the process of increased BGs. With cats, insulin is generally used immediately because the disease is not picked up until the BGs are seriously elevated.
The vast majority of feline diabetics are Type 2 - and that is why being able to come off the insulin can happen when diagnosed and treated promptly. (Unlike humans, cats seem better at actually regenerating/repairing beta cells).
Hope that helps.
This is a bit of a general overview, but basically, in Type 1, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed them. There is no chance of coming off insulin with Type 1.
Type 2 is often caused by insulin resistance, where the body cannot properly use the insulin that is being produced. (i.e. there is usually insulin production occurring, but it is not getting into the cells.) Over time, the insulin production can actually decrease. Diet change, losing weight, etc. are generally used as the first line of treatment, but extra insulin may eventually be required. Some studies show that in type 2 diabetes, there is a steady decline of beta cells that adds to the process of increased BGs. With cats, insulin is generally used immediately because the disease is not picked up until the BGs are seriously elevated.
The vast majority of feline diabetics are Type 2 - and that is why being able to come off the insulin can happen when diagnosed and treated promptly. (Unlike humans, cats seem better at actually regenerating/repairing beta cells).
Hope that helps.
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