Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis and Treatment

from Averi Brewster quizlet

Diabetes Mellitus

Syndrome with prolonged hyperglycemia due to insulin issues.

Hyperglycemia

Elevated blood glucose levels above normal range.

Insulin Secretion

Release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells.

Glucosuria

Presence of glucose in urine.

Polyuria

Excessive urination, often seen in diabetes.

Urinalysis

Laboratory test analyzing urine composition.

Urine Specific Gravity

Measure of urine concentration; normal range varies.

Fasting Hyperglycemia

Elevated glucose levels after fasting period.

Obesity

Excess body weight; risk factor for diabetes.

Stress Hyperglycemia

Temporary hyperglycemia due to stress, common in cats.

Renal Glucose Threshold

Blood glucose level at which glucose appears in urine.

Differential Diagnosis

Distinguishing between diabetes and other conditions.

Blood Glucose (BG)

Measurement of glucose in blood; normal is 3-8 mmol/L.

Clinical Signs

Observable symptoms indicating a medical condition.

Complications of DM

Health issues arising from diabetes mellitus.

Concurrent Diseases

Other illnesses present alongside diabetes mellitus.

Treatment Plan

Strategy for managing a newly diagnosed diabetic patient.

Assessment of Treatment Response

Evaluating effectiveness of diabetes management.

Risk Factors for DM

Conditions increasing likelihood of developing diabetes.

Initial Investigation

First steps in diagnosing a medical condition.

Insulin Resistance

Condition where cells fail to respond to insulin.

Cataracts in Dogs

Complication of diabetes, requiring physical examination.

Neuropathy in Cats

Diabetes-related nerve damage, assessed via examination.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Common in dogs; less frequent in cats.

Diabetogenic Medications

Medications that can induce diabetes or insulin resistance.

Obesity

Major risk factor for insulin resistance in pets.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of pancreas; measured by lipase levels.

Diestrus in Intact Females

Hormonal phase affecting insulin resistance in females.

Renal Disease

Kidney dysfunction impacting insulin resistance; assessed biochemically.

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Endocrine disorder; diagnosed via TT4 testing.

Hyperadrenocorticism

Cushing's disease; requires specific endocrine testing.

Diabetes Treatment Goals

Minimize signs, control blood glucose, avoid hypoglycemia.

Blood Glucose (BG) Thresholds

Ideal levels: <10 mmol/L dogs, <14 mmol/L cats.

Insulin Dosing for Cats

Start at 0.25-0.5 U/kg every 12 hours.

Common Insulins for Cats

Includes Glargine, PZI, Porcine lente, Detemir.

Dietary Goals for Diabetic Pets

Promote ideal weight, regulate caloric intake.

Ideal Diets for Cats

Low carb/high protein; aids in glucose regulation.

Feeding Strategy for Diabetic Cats

Main meals at insulin times; allow grazing.

Glucose Monitoring

Assess BG levels for diabetes management effectiveness.

Glucose Curve

Multiple BG measurements to track fluctuations.

Fructosamine Testing

Average BG levels over weeks; useful in cats.

Continuous Glucose Monitors

Devices providing frequent BG readings; may malfunction.

Hypoglycemia Signs

Often subtle; requires monitoring during treatment.

Client Education on Insulin

Teach injection techniques and monitoring for complications.

Glucose Curve Timing

Perform 7-14 days post dose changes.

Initial Therapy for Shadow

Glargine at 0.25-0.5 U/kg, diet change recommended.

Diabetogenic Medications

Drugs that can induce diabetes in patients.

Cataracts in Dogs

Common complication of diabetes affecting vision.

Neuropathy in Cats

Nerve damage due to diabetes, affecting mobility.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Common in dogs, less so in cats.

Lipase Measurement

Test for pancreatitis, indicating pancreatic health.

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Endocrine disorder causing increased metabolism.

Hyperadrenocorticism in Dogs

Cushing's disease, affecting hormone regulation.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Test assessing overall health and blood components.

Serum Biochemical Profile

Test evaluating organ function and metabolic status.

Glucose Curve

Monitoring blood sugar fluctuations over time.

Fructosamine Test

Measures average blood glucose over weeks.

Insulin Injection Technique

Method for administering insulin subcutaneously.

Glargine Insulin

Long-acting insulin for feline diabetics.

Dietary Goals for Diabetics

Maintain ideal body weight and regulate glucose.

Weight Loss Formula

Diet designed to promote weight reduction.

Continuous Glucose Monitors

Devices tracking glucose levels continuously.

Spot Glucose Measurement

Single test for blood glucose level.

Urinalysis

Test analyzing urine for health indicators.

Blood Pressure Measurement

Assessing cardiovascular health in diabetic patients.

Insulin Dosing for Cats

0.25-0.5 U/kg every 12 hours.

Monitoring for Hypoglycemia

Detecting low blood sugar symptoms in pets.

Dietary Management for Cats

Low carb, high protein diet recommended.

Insulin Timing with Meals

Feeding schedule aligned with insulin administration.

Nadir

Lowest glucose level during insulin therapy.

Ideal Nadir

Target range for nadir: 5-8 mmol/L.

Insulin Dose Adjustment

Lower dose if nadir is too low.

Duration of Action

Period blood glucose remains below target.

Ideal Duration for Dogs

Blood glucose should be <14 mmol/L.

Ideal Duration for Cats

Blood glucose should be <17 mmol/L.

Insulin Overdosage

Reduce insulin dose by 25-50% if nadir low.

Underdosage

Increase insulin dose by 10-25% if nadir high.

Clinical Signs of DM

Present if BG <8-10 hours below target.

Insulin Resistance

Consider if glucose curve shows poor control.

Fructosamine

Glycosylated protein reflecting BG over weeks.

Fructosamine Levels

Indicate BG control; trends more useful than values.

Stress Hyperglycemia

Differentiated from diabetes using fructosamine levels.

Controlled Diabetic Definition

Absence of clinical signs and hypoglycemia.

Monitoring Context

Interpret BG numbers with clinical signs in mind.

Diabetic Remission in Cats

15-100% of diabetic cats may achieve remission.

Beta Cell Recovery

Resolution of hyperglycemia indicates beta cell function.

Weight Loss Plan

Recommended for diabetic pets to improve control.

Glucose Curve Recheck

Essential for adjusting insulin dosage.

Day-to-Day Variability

High variability complicates diabetes management.

Pros of Glucose Curves

Assess insulin response and identify hypoglycemia.

Cons of Glucose Curves

Intensive monitoring may stress owners.

Glycemic control

Maintaining blood glucose levels within normal range.

Intensive monitoring

Frequent home blood glucose checks.

Insulin-antagonizing drugs

Medications that interfere with insulin efficacy.

Long-acting insulin

Insulin type providing extended glucose control.

Low carbohydrate diet

Diet minimizing carbohydrate intake for better glucose management.

Hypoglycemia signs

Clinical symptoms indicating low blood sugar levels.

Glucosuria

Presence of glucose in urine, indicating diabetes.

Insulin dose reduction

Gradually decreasing insulin based on glucose levels.

Recheck curves

Blood glucose monitoring after insulin adjustments.