Signs of Cat Diabetes Remission

Cat diabetes is an incurable disease, but in some cases, periods of remission are possible. However, for remission, the cat needs to have a change in diet, possibly lose some weight and get regular insulin treatment. The signs of cat diabetes remission may be difficult to detect, as these are often subtle or don’t appear. Testing the glycemic index is a safe way to detect if the cat is in remission.

Cat Diabetes Remission

Cat diabetes may be of 4 types. If the cat is affected by type 1 diabetes, the chances of remission are very low, as the cat may require insulin for life.

If the cat has type 2 diabetes (often caused by obesity, a diet that is high in carbohydrates and a sedentary lifestyle), remission is possible and highly likely. However, in order to get to a remission phase, the cat needs to:

• Get regular insulin shots, with the doses required by the body to assimilate the glucose in the blood
• Have a change in the cat’s diet, reducing the amount of carbohydrates and increasing the proteins and fibers
• Lose weight, as obesity may have caused the diabetes in the first place
• Get plenty of exercise

Type 3 diabetes is caused by an underlying condition such as pancreatitis or a hormonal disorder in the cat’s body. Total remission is possible in this case, provided that the underlying condition is properly treated.

Type 4 diabetes is inherited and the cat has the disease from the day he is born. In this case, the cat won’t be able to have a remission phase and he will have to get insulin shots for life.

Cat Diabetes Remission Symptoms

Remission is possible if the cat has type 2 and 3 diabetes.

The symptoms of remission are often too subtle to be recognized. However, you may notice some signs such as:

• Increased thirst
• Sleepiness and lack of energy alternating with normal behavior

These symptoms are caused by the fact that the cat is hypoglycemic.

Tests can confirm that the cat has hypoglycemia. If this happens, the insulin can be discontinued, but the cat should be monitored.

How Long Will the Remission Last?

Approximately 20% of cats that have type 2 diabetes may experience a remission at least once in their lifetime.

However, remission in the case of cats with type 2 diabetes is not permanent and the cat may relapse in a few months or years, depending on each case in part.

For this reason, the glycemic index should be constantly monitored and when needed, the insulin shots should be started again.

In very rare cases, the remission will be total and the cat will no longer require other insulin shots.

Cats with type 3 diabetes will experience total remission if the underlying condition is treated. However, the cat will have to be tested periodically, to make sure that the condition won’t be recurrent.