Pathophysiology of Prediabetes, Diabetes, and Diabetic Remission in Cats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has a heterogenous cause, and the exact pathogenesis differs between patients. Most diabetic cats have a cause similar to human type 2 DM but, in some, DM is associated with underlying conditions, such as hypersomatotropism, hyperadrenocorticism, or administration of diabetogenic drugs. Predisposing factors for feline DM include obesity, reduced physical activity, male sex, and increasing age. Gluco(lipo)toxicity and genetic predisposition also likely play roles in pathogenesis. Prediabetes cannot be accurately diagnosed in cats at the current time. Diabetic cats can enter remission, but relapses are common, as these cats might have ongoing, abnormal glucose homeostasis.