Chronic pancreatitis can cause diabetes mellitus in cats by destroying insulin-producing cells, creating a complex dual disease that requires careful integrated management.
Cats with concurrent pancreatitis and diabetes experience the welfare burdens of both diseases simultaneously - nausea and abdominal pain from inflammation, plus the systemic effects of poorly regulated blood sugar. The nutritional management conflicts create ongoing challenges. Managing two serious chronic conditions simultaneously requires intensive owner commitment and frequent veterinary monitoring. The potential for partial or full diabetic remission if pancreatitis is successfully controlled provides a meaningful treatment goal that motivates aggressive anti-inflammatory management.