Hyperglycemia is an overabundance of glucose in a cat’s blood, which can lead to Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) if left untreated for too long. Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause, but common signs include:
Signs of Hyperglycemia:
- Increased thirst
- Obesity
- Increased urination
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Liver enlargement
- Increased appetite
- Tissue damage
- Depression
- Bloodshot eyes
- Non-healing wounds
- Nerve damage (legs – walking "flat footed")
- Severe depression (with extremely high blood glucose levels)
Middle-aged or older cats, particularly neutered males, are most at risk for hyperglycemia. While no specific breed is more prone to it, factors like pancreatitis, infections (dental, urinary, skin, etc.), diet, hormones, and stress can contribute to hyperglycemia.
Your veterinarian will work with you to identify the cause and help manage your pet's condition.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
DKA is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus and can be life-threatening. This condition is often seen in undiagnosed cats, leading to two serious diagnoses: diabetes and DKA. It occurs when stressors such as infection, inflammatory disease, or pancreatitis cause a significant loss of glucose regulation. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells, causing the body to burn stored fat, leading to ketone production and metabolic imbalances that can endanger your cat's life.
Signs of Potential DKA:
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
DKA is diagnosed through blood glucose testing and detection of ketones in a urine sample. Cats with DKA require hospitalization, IV fluids, medications, and frequent blood glucose monitoring. Most veterinarians will keep a cat in the hospital until no more signs of DKA are present, including the absence of ketones in the urine and stable blood glucose levels. Recovery times vary depending on the patient.
Hypoglycemia in Cats
Hypoglycemia is caused by low blood sugar and can lead to severe energy depletion, unconsciousness, or even death if not treated promptly. The condition is often due to an overdose of insulin or diabetic medications.
Signs of Hypoglycemia:
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Increased hunger
- Weakness and low energy
- Anxiety, restlessness
- Disorientation and confusion
- Tremors/shivering
- Loss of consciousness
- Heart palpitations
- Visual instability (walking into things due to blurred vision)
- Seizures (rare)
If hypoglycemia is suspected, it is critical to get your cat to the vet immediately. Quick intervention is necessary to prevent brain damage or death. If your cat collapses or shows signs of losing consciousness, contact your vet for immediate home treatment instructions before bringing them in for further care.
Even after at-home intervention, a veterinary visit is highly recommended for bloodwork and a urinalysis to assess the situation.
Sources:
[1] www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_high_blood_sugar
[2] http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=&A=3054&SourceID=
[3] www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_low_blood_sugar
Written by: Kathy Raepple