Cat Acromegaly and Insulin-resistant Diabetes

Feline acromegaly from a pituitary tumour causing excess growth hormone leads to insulin-resistant diabetes that is increasingly recognised and treatable.

Key Facts

Acromegaly affects an estimated 25-35% of cats with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
Excess growth hormone from a pituitary adenoma causes insulin resistance and organomegaly
Cats with acromegaly require dramatically higher insulin doses than typical diabetics
Stereotactic radiosurgery and hypophysectomy offer the possibility of remission
CT or MRI of the pituitary gland is required for diagnosis

Welfare Considerations

Cats with undiagnosed acromegaly suffer from progressive organomegaly, poorly controlled diabetes, and cardiovascular complications. Insulin resistance means standard diabetes management fails, leaving cats in chronic hyperglycaemic distress. Recognition and appropriate treatment including pituitary-directed therapy transforms welfare outcomes. Surgical hypophysectomy achieves diabetic remission in a high proportion of treated cats, dramatically improving long-term quality of life.

What You Can Do

Suspect acromegaly in diabetic cats requiring escalating insulin doses without glycaemic control
Request insulin-like growth factor 1 measurement as a screening test
Pursue pituitary imaging if elevated to confirm diagnosis
Discuss treatment options including radiosurgery or hypophysectomy with a specialist
Connect with specialist centres offering pituitary-directed treatment for feline acromegaly