Is there an alternative to insulin injections for cats?
At this time, glipizide is the only oral medication that can be expected to replace insulin injections and it only works for 25-30\% of cats.
Is there an oral medication for diabetic cat?
Oral hypoglycemic drugs can be a potential treatment option for affected cats, especially when cats or owners do not tolerate administration of injectable insulin. Several classes of oral hypoglycemic drugs have been evaluated in cats but these drugs have not been commonly used for treatment of diabetic cats.
How long can a diabetic cat survive without insulin?
It is safer to go without insulin, even for 36-48 hours, than to risk giving too much insulin and possibly causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar/glucose).
What is the life expectancy of a cat with diabetes?
Cats who are treated effectively for diabetes can live for very prolonged periods after diagnosis. Average length of life after diagnosis is variable dependent on which study is examined, however, average lifespans of up to around three years are reported in some studies.
How can I reverse my cats diabetes?
Insulin injections, particularly combined with a proper diet of high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods, are effective in converting many cats to a state of remission. This means that insulin injections may be necessary only for a short period of time and then your cat may not need them anymore.
How can I treat my diabetic cat without insulin?
“Some diabetic cats can be managed on a low-carb food alone, without insulin,” says Koble. ”This is the only ‘natural’ treatment that sometimes works by itself. Many cats need a combination of a low-carb food and insulin.”
How do you treat a diabetic cat without insulin?
How can I lower my cats blood sugar?
Diet Management Cats with diabetes may be put on a special diet to reduce their weight and help control insulin levels. A low carbohydrate and high protein diet is often recommended. This kind of diet can reduce the amount of insulin the body needs and avoid dangerous dips and spikes in glucose levels.
How long after a cat eats Do you give insulin?
This is usually 5 – 8 hours after an insulin injection, but it should have been determined during the initial regulation process. Therefore, the proper procedure is as follows: Feed your cat its normal morning meal then bring it to hospital immediately.
Is my diabetic cat dying?
An alarming number of cats are developing diabetes mellitus, which is the inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar, or glucose, levels . Left untreated, it can lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting ,dehydration, severe depression, problems with motor function, coma, and even death.
Are cats in pain when they have diabetes?
A common condition seen in cats is diabetes, and a tingling and pain in the hind legs is one form of neuropathic pain.
Can diabetes in cats be reversed?
Though there is no cure for feline diabetes, the prognosis for a good quality of life is good with adequate management at home. With early, aggressive treatment of diabetes, many cats will enter a state of diabetic remission, meaning they are able to maintain normal blood sugar levels without insulin injections.
How to give your cat an insulin injection?
Feed your diabetes cat.
How much does insulin cost for cats?
Your cat’s insulin can cost anywhere from $30-$150. The price will vary depending on if you decide to buy from your veterinarian, from an internet retailer, or using a pharmacy benefits plan. The price will also depend on whether you purchase a brand name or generic drug.
What type of insulin is used for cats?
ProZinc is a protamine zinc insulin, a type of long-acting insulin derived from recombinant human insulin used to reduce hyperglycemia (high blood glucose or sugar) in cats with diabetes mellitus. A licensed veterinarian must prescribe ProZinc insulin for your cat. ProZinc insulin should be given to cats only.
How does insulin work in cats?
Like the human body, the cells in a cat’s body need sugar in the form of glucose for energy. However, glucose in the blood requires insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to “unlock” the door to cells. Insulin attaches to cells and signals when the time is right to absorb glucose.