"When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world."George Washington Carver
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Diabetes and Insulin
Diabetes and Insulin Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not manufacture sufficient amounts of insulin or does not properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that is necessary for the transport of sugar from the ...
Diabetic Gains From Nutritious Whole Grains
My mother was a diabetic and when she was diagnosed, it was called adult onset diabetes. Do you know why they changed the name to type 2? I'm afraid the sad truth is it can no longer be called "adult," because the deadly type 2 diabetes is now showing up ...
Have Diabetes, But Enjoy Quality Food? Try Diabetic Recipes!
Having diabetes certainly limits some of the food you can eat, but with the right diabetic recipes you can still enjoy fine food. Sometimes, it is hard to know what foods are safe for you to eat. For your safety, you and your dietitian should work ...
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Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's message after examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock. Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat it!
I got the message myself early 2003. My (then) 10-year-old neutered cat Duvelke had been urinating and drinking more than usual for a few weeks. First it was thought to be connected with a previous medication. But after urine and blood tests the veterinarian was certain. "Your cat has feline diabetes."
Now what is diabetes?
Blood contains sugar (glucose). The blood sugar level is controlled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. If this organ produces not enough insulin, we speak of diabetes.
Symptoms of feline diabetes differ. Duvelke started to pass more urine than usual, and had an increased thirst as a result of this. Other possible symptoms are weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy and a poor coat condition.
Cats with untreated diabetes will become inactive, vomit regularly, stop urinating and fall into a coma. But if you treat feline diabetes correctly, your cat might still be able to lead a long and happy life. It does take effort and dedication, though.
Your cat will need to get food at set times, and preferably should stay indoors.
And - this is essential - you will have to give your cat insulin shots. Once a day, often two times daily. Your vet will determine the quantity and tell you how to do it. It is not scary!
But keep an eye on your friend. Your cat should have had food before getting the insulin shot! If not, a hypoglycemic shock (a 'hypo') may occur. This is also possible if your cat gets too much insulin. And this is really dangerous. If you are not there to help, your cat might die from a hypo.
Duvelke has had a few hypos since 2003. He survived. How? By putting glucose in his mouth, on the inside of his cheeks. Honey on his tongue also worked well.
Duvelke's quantity of insulin has been reduced considerably the past year. And he's doing really fine. If you didn't know about his disease, you would assume he is a perfectly healthy cat.
About The Author
© 2004, Marc de Jong. Journalist, web site builder and cat lover Marc de Jong lives in Belgium. He is the owner and editor of http://www.cat-pregnancy-report.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
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Diabetes researcher to be honoredSan Antonio ExpressBy Elaine Ayala Dr. Roberto Treviño, a San Antonio diabetes researcher and physician, will be honored Friday with the 2012 Benitia Humanitarian Award. Given by the Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence, a religious community based on the West Side ... |
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