DVM Blog Post – Feline Diabetes Management

Diabetes mellitus is a familiar term to most people as it afflicts many humans. It can also be an endocrine disorder that affects dogs and cats. It is caused by a deficiency of insulin which interrupts the normal metabolism of blood glucose (aka sugar). Typical clinical symptoms associated with diabetes include increased thirst and urination, excessive appetite, and weight loss.

Almost all dogs have insulin-dependent diabetes, similar to Type I in humans, and must be treated with insulin injections along with dietary modifications. Unlike dogs, cats are often non-insulin-dependent to start. Some cats may qualify for treatment with insulin, prescription diets, and/or oral therapies when initially diagnosed. Cats can achieve remission if treatment and reactivation of the pancreas is addressed promptly. You could equate diabetes in cats to Type II in humans, but not all cats fall into this category. About 25% of cats have an underlying condition that will result in insulin dependency and difficulty with regulation.

Bexacat (bexagliflozin), an oral tablet, and Senvelgo (velagliflozin), an oral solution, are new treatment options for cats with diabetes mellitus. This is an especially exciting option in situations where insulin injections are not possible and will likely result in the successful treatment of more patients. Both of these drugs are SGLT2 inhibitors. SGLT stands for Sodium Glucose Transporter. We have SGLT2’s in our kidneys reabsorbing most of our glucose. When we inhibit SGLT2’s we then lose large amounts of glucose in our urine. This is beneficial to diabetics who have excessive amounts of circulating glucose to manage. By keeping the blood glucose levels in check, the pancreas is able to recover and symptoms of diabetes are alleviated.

Although SLGT2 inhibitor therapy has been very popular in human medicine, it is very important to choose the right feline candidate for this type of treatment. Because it is very new, the potential for serious problems are still unknown. Owners should be advised on possible side effects and potential complications, such as urinary tract infections and diabetic ketoacidosis, when using this type of medication and proper monitoring after starting the drug is crucial. An ideal candidate would be a newly diagnosed diabetic not previously treated with insulin and with no other apparent health issues. The medication is administered once daily with or without food. It is also important to understand that some cats may not respond as expected to an SLGT2 inhibitors and a switch to insulin may be recommended. Ultimately, a treatment regimen is tailored to each individual with the guidance of your veterinarian.

Click here for more information on Bexacat(goes to new website)(opens in a new tab)
Click here for more information on Senvelgo(goes to new website)(opens in a new tab)

Written by Dr. Dana Carr