Diabetic Remission

A recovery from the signs of diabetes.

Overview

Diabetes can be a very challenging condition to manage. However, a commitment to consistent insulin injections, dietary restrictions, and frequent blood and urine samples can give your cat the best chance at remission. Diabetic remission refers to the temporary recovery from the signs of the disease. It occurs when the disease has been effectively managed through insulin medication and diet. Over time, this support may allow the cat's own insulin production to maintain glucose levels, and they may no longer require insulin injections.

Cats with additional risk factors such as obesity, concurrent diseases, medications, or genetic predispositions may require further treatment to achieve remission.

Insulin Injections

Your veterinarian will determine the insulin injection regimen, provide home monitoring requirements, and establish regular follow-up visits for bloodwork.

Insulin injections must be scheduled alongside meal times. Training your cat to come for their injections can help. Using a small treat before and after the injection can alleviate any stress related to the procedure.

It is important to note that insulin doses will be adjusted regularly based on bloodwork results.

There are three phases of treatment:

1. Increasing the dose every 5-7 days

2. Holding the dose

3. Decreasing the dose

Remission is typically expected within 2-3 months, at which point no further insulin may be required.

How to Administer Insulin

This step-by-step guide will assist you in administering insulin injections to your cat.

Your veterinarian will provide you with the needle, syringe, and insulin medication. The required amount of insulin will also be advised. It is important to note that the amount of insulin required may vary throughout treatment, as determined by urine and blood sugar results.

Step 1: Feed First

Administer the insulin AFTER you have fed the cat.

Step 2: Check the Insulin Dose

Prepare the insulin according to your veterinarian's instructions.
Clean the rubber stopper on the insulin bottle by wiping it with an alcohol swab.
GENTLY roll the insulin bottle to ensure that the contents are well mixed.

Step 3: Draw Up Insulin

Insert a NEW syringe needle into the insulin bottle.
With the bottle upside down, draw the prescribed amount into the syringe.

Step 4: Administer Insulin

Locate an area on the cat's skin:

3-4 cm from the spine over the shoulders
3-4 cm from the spine over the hip

Alternate the location each time to avoid skin tenderness.
Gently pinch a fold of skin to create a tent, then gently insert the needle.
Gently push the plunger of the syringe all the way down.
Carefully remove the needle and syringe and dispose of them in a closed sharps or biohazard container.

Dietary Requirements

Cats with diabetes require a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This diet helps stabilise blood sugar levels, maximises metabolic rate, improves meal satisfaction, and prevents loss of lean muscle mass.

Canned food is ideal as it offers:

Lower carbohydrate levels
Ease of portion control
Lower caloric density
Increased water intake

Prognosis

Cats have the best chance of reaching remission when their blood glucose levels are controlled within the first 3-6 months of diagnosis. Home monitoring is very important as it is less stressful for the cat, more cost-effective, and more convenient for you. Your veterinary team will assist you in becoming comfortable with administering insulin injections as well as monitoring blood and urine glucose levels.

When to See the Vet

Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet:

Begins twitching
Seems weak or disoriented
Has been hiding for more than 12 hours
Vomits more than three times in 12 hours
Bumps into objects
Has difficulty walking
Has missed more than two doses of insulin
Received the incorrect dose of insulin
Has a seizure

Important Reminders

Always follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding insulin administration and dietary management. Regular check-ups and blood tests are essential to monitor your cat's condition and adjust treatment as necessary.

References

1. American Animal Hospital Association. (2023). Diabetes Mellitus in Cats: Diagnosis and Management. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.

2. Veterinary Diabetes Society. (2024). Current Approaches to Managing Diabetes in Cats. Veterinary Record.

3. Smith, J., & Jones, A. (2025). Advances in Feline Diabetes Management. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.