If a cat has diabetes, does he always have glycosouria (glycose in the urine)?

Question

My cat is fat, lethargic, and drinks a lot of water. I checked his urine with urine reagent strips, and glucose is negative. Does this mean that he doesn't have diabetes, of is it possible that he has it but it doesn't show in the urine? Zusje if you read this, please tell me, as I know you have learnt everything about diabetes recently.

Answer 1

I already answered your question through the group but in case you didn't see it here it is again;If we are talking about the second type of diabetes,which can be caused by obesity than the answer is positive,glucosuria should be present in order to assume that the cat has diabetes.Of course poludipsia could be caused by a number of things,from as simple as a change in diet(more salt) or environment(warmer due to artificial heating) to as serious as renal failure.I would check your cat for a few more days(as you know mine went almost immediately back to normal AFTER I took him to the clinics,lol) and if you see those symptoms are persistent take him for some more specific testing.

Answer 2

It has to be fresh urine and I wouldn't necessarily trust a reagent strip. A blood test is more accurate.

The cat may or may not be diabetic based on these symptoms. If he's overweight, it's fairly likely he's diabetic.

There are different types of diabetes. Diabetes insipidus has nothing to do with glucose, but is to do with a problem in the brain making the body unable to regulate water intake.

Clearly the cat has a problem. Excess drinking may also be a sign of kidney failure. Please take the cat to a vet.

Chalice

Answer 3

With the newer types of insulin these days, diabetic diets aren't necessarily as restrictive as they used to be. Read here https://tr.im/ZPtKr
As with any medicine or diet change, you should discuss it with your doctor. Fruits, both fresh and dried, have a natural sugar in them that will raise blood sugar levels, so be careful about eating too much. Not sure about the nuts. Moderation is always the key. I've been diabetic for 18 years and just recently changed insulin types. I love it because it gives me more freedom in when and what I eat.

Answer 4

There are feline rescue organizations that might be able to help her find a new home. I had a dog with diabetes and wouldn't hesitate to take in another diabetic dog though, yes, it's expensive and you have to give the shots, buy special food, etc. My diabetic dog was so brave, she never minded the shots but, poor thing, she hated the special food and forced herself to eat it. I had to dog-proof my kitchen cabinets because she learned to open them and drag out edible food!! yes, she opened a cabinet and ate half a loaf of raisin bread!! But she was the best dog and I still miss her.

Answer 5

My cat died of diabetic complications...his urine was certainly full of glucose, as when it dried it was actually sugary in texture.

Diabetes in cats is usually also manifested by quick weightloss in an obese animal.

Get your cat seen by a feline specialist, this could be any number of things.