Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 7/20/2008

Question
Our cat was diagnosed with diabetes in Feb 08.  At first we tried feeding her the Purina DM food and she ate it for a while and then she stopped.  Now she is on an insulin injection every day. She is currently on 4 units of Vetsulin. I have two questions.  First should we be checking her sugar level every day like a human does? Our vet says that sugar level is not a good indicator of diabetes in cats, she has had 2 fructosamine tests. And second is it really ok to be giving her an insulin (Vetsulin)that says it is only for dogs?
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions for me.

Answer
Billie -

Vetsulin is great for treating diabetes in cats. It is labeled for dogs only, but extensive research has shown that it is quite useful in regulating the glucose in cats.  It is extremely useful as long as you use the dose your veterinarian recommends.  

Often, it is not necessary to check glucose level in cats as it is in humans.   Unless you are having trouble regulating the glucose, periodic fructosamine testing is the best way to test.  Fructosamine actually determines if your cats' glucose is being regulated properly, so continue to get fructosamine tests as the vet suggests.  Often, effective glucose regulation can be accomplished by diet only. Perhaps you can get her to eat the DM (trust me, that takes time).  Continue to give her the insulin as she needs it; diabetic cats can live long lives.

Good luck with your cat - keep me posted on her progress.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM