Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Time trends and risk factors for diabetes mellitus in cats presented to veterinary teaching hospitals.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2007
- Authors:
- Prahl, Annalisa et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study looked at records of cats with diabetes mellitus (a condition where the body can't properly regulate blood sugar) from 1970 to 1999 to see how common it was and what factors might increase the risk. Over this time, the number of cats diagnosed with diabetes in hospitals rose significantly, from 8 out of every 10,000 cats in 1970 to 124 out of 10,000 in 1999. Interestingly, when cats first came to the hospital, the chance of dying from diabetes dropped from 40% to 10%. The study found that male cats, older cats, heavier male cats, and mixed-breed female cats were more likely to develop diabetes. Overall, the findings suggest that diabetes in cats has become more common, but the chances of survival have improved.
Abstract
Veterinary Medical Data Base records of cats with diabetes mellitus (DM) from 1970 through 1999 were reviewed to identify trends in hospital prevalence of DM and potential host risk factors. Hospital prevalence increased from eight cases per 10,000 in 1970 to 124 per 10,000 in 1999 (P < 0.001). Case fatality percent at first visit decreased from 40% to 10% (P < 0.001). Hospital prevalence increased in all age groups (P < 0.002). There was no apparent seasonal pattern in hospital prevalence. Significant risk factors included male gender, increasing age for both genders (P < 0.001), increasing weight for males (P < 0.001), and mixed vs pure breed for females (P = 0.006).
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17449313/