Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How diabetes develops in cats and common causes
By Rand, Jacquie S·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2013·School of Veterinary Science, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pathogenesis of feline diabetes.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Diabetes in cats happens when their bodies don't produce enough insulin, which is a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. This condition is often linked to factors that make it harder for the body to use insulin effectively, such as being overweight, having a growth hormone disorder called acromegaly, or suffering from inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). While the exact reasons why the pancreas struggles to make enough insulin are still unclear, it may involve inflammation, harmful substances in the body, and high blood sugar levels. Understanding these causes can help in managing diabetes in cats.
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is the result of inadequate insulin secretion. In cats this is often associated with conditions that reduce insulin sensitivity and increase the requirement for insulin secretion. Obesity, and acromegaly, and pancreatitis are common predisposing causes of diabetes in cats. The mechanisms that prevent the pancreatic β cells from secreting adequate amounts of insulin are not well understood, but may include inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species, toxic intracellular protein oligomers, and toxicity from increased blood glucose concentrations.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23522168/