Feline diabetes is manageable with insulin therapy and dietary changes, but unmanaged cases cause severe suffering from hyperglycemia and diabetic crises.
Unmanaged feline diabetes causes progressive weight loss despite increased appetite, weakness, and eventually diabetic ketoacidosis which is life-threatening. Diabetic neuropathy causes hindlimb weakness and difficulty walking. Regular insulin therapy requires daily injections but most cats tolerate this well. Dietary management through high-protein food significantly improves glucose control and may allow insulin reduction or elimination.