Early Detection and Management of Feline Diabetes: What Cat Owners Need to Know
(BPT) - During National Diabetes Month, Elanco is raising awareness about an often-overlooked disease - feline diabetes. With approximately 600,000 cats in the U.S. diagnosed with diabetes in their lifetime, and cases on the rise, Bexacat™ (bexagliflozin tablets), an innovative treatment, is changing the landscape of feline diabetes care.[1],[2]
Feline diabetes occurs when a cat's body is unable to regulate sugar (glucose) in their blood due to insulin resistance and/or insulin deficiency. Glucose is an important fuel source for cells in the body and insulin (a hormone from the pancreas) is responsible for driving glucose into the cells to be utilized for energy. Without insulin, glucose is unable to enter cells, and the body is forced to use fat and muscle for energy to avoid starvation despite increasingly high blood glucose levels. Over time, this cycle of 'starvation amidst plenty' leads to weight loss despite an excessive appetite, increased thirst and urination, lethargy, and a life-threatening buildup of acids in the blood from excessive fat breakdown called ketoacidosis. Unfortunately, feline diabetes is a chronic illness that requires lifelong medical care and owner education to prevent complications and ensure a good quality of life.
For pet owners, receiving a feline diabetes diagnosis can feel scary and overwhelming. They face the fear of the unknown and may worry about lifestyle changes and the complicated nature of traditional therapy. Over 90% of cat owners say they know their cat best; however, many are unfamiliar with symptoms of feline diabetes.[3] Recognizing the signs early can lead to timely veterinary care and better outcomes for cats.
Symptoms of Feline Diabetes
Research shows 125,000 cats go untreated when it comes to feline diabetes, making them susceptible to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, severe depression, problems with motor functions, coma, and even death.[4] Diagnosis is the first step toward managing the condition. A simple way to remember the signs of feline diabetes is to think M.E.O.W:
- M: More drinking and urinating
- E: Excessive appetite
- O: Overweight
- W: Weight loss that occurs suddenly
Providing care for your cat doesn't need to be overwhelming, and feline diabetes doesn't have to prevent your cat from thriving in a happy home. It's important to recognize the signs of feline diabetes early and start a conversation with your veterinarian. Feline diabetes has lasting impacts on overall cat health and when untreated, can impact a cat's weight, ability to play, and overall mobility. Detection and treatment will help cats, and their pet parents, get back to their regular, healthier lives.
Bexacat: A Breakthrough Treatment for Diabetes in Cats
For owners, getting a diagnosis of diabetes can be devastating. In fact, one study found that one in ten pets are euthanized after being given this diagnosis.[2] Diabetes has historically been treated with once to twice daily treatments of insulin, which is given as an injection under the skin. Luckily, there is an alternative - Bexacat™ (bexagliflozin tablets), the first and only non-insulin oral tablet specifically designed to treat feline diabetes in otherwise healthy cats not previously treated with insulin. This prescription product is an easy-to-give flavored tablet that helps manage your cat's diabetes.
During National Diabetes Month, and every month, think M.E.O.W. If your cat is showing signs of diabetes, schedule a visit with your veterinarian today. With proper management, cats with diabetes can live longer, healthier lives.
To learn more about Bexacat, visit yourpetandyou.com.
[1] Feline diabetes | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
[2] AVMA 2022 Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook
Source: BrandPoint
