Current understanding of feline diabetes: part 2, treatment.
When treating diabetic cats, the primary aim is to control clinical signs without causing clinical hypoglycaemia. Secondary goals are to maximise the chances of attaining diabetic remission and to minimise the risk of complications due to chronic hyperglycaemia. A treatment plan that is convenient for the owner is important for compliance. Underweight or overweight diabetic cats should be fed with the aim of normalising bodyweight. Current evidence suggests that non-obese diabetic cats can be fed ad libitum. The oral hypoglycaemic drug glipizide is well established as a treatment for about a third of diabetic cats, which have residual beta cell function. Preliminary studies on other oral agents such as vanadium salts, metformin, and troglitazone indicate a potential use in some diabetic cats. Insulin treatment remains the treatment of choice for the majority of diabetic cats. Choice of insulin, dose rates and monitoring of treatment are discussed.
Martin
G
G
Companion Animal Sciences, School of Veterinary Science and Animal Production, The University of Queensland, Australia 4072.
Rand
J
J
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001835:Body Weight; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002415:Cats; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005913:Glipizide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009765:Obesity
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D005913:Glipizide