Increased Thirst and Urination

• One of the earliest signs of diabetes is an increase in thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria). Cats with high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) begin to pass the excess sugar in their urine. This condition is known as glucosuria. As the sugar or glucose levels build up in the urine, the kidneys attempt to flush the excess and your cat needs to drink more water to prevent dehydration. If you seem to be filling the water bowl and cleaning the litter box more than usual, it may be a warning sign of diabetes.
  
  

Increased Appetite and Weight Loss

• One of the earliest signs of diabetes is an increase in thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria). Cats with high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) begin to pass the excess sugar in their urine. This condition is known as glucosuria. As the sugar or glucose levels build up in the urine, the kidneys attempt to flush the excess and your cat needs to drink more water to prevent dehydration. If you seem to be filling the water bowl and cleaning the litter box more than usual, it may be a warning sign of diabetes.
  
  

Rear Leg Weakness

• Neuropathy is a weakness in the back legs and it often occurs in diabetic cats. According to FelineDiabetes.com, neuropathy is caused by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). Excess urination can reduce potassium levels dramatically, causing an electrolyte imbalance that can cause leg weakness. Finally, uncontrolled diabetes is a catabolic disease---it causes a breakdown in molecules---and can cause a wasting of muscle tissue. Blood sugar management and exercise can help to maintain leg strength in diabetic cats.
  
  

Other Signs and Symptoms

• As your cat's body struggles to metabolize sugars, acids to form in the blood. This causes a condition called ketoacidosis and it causes a sweet odor similar to acetone on your cat's breath. Diabetes can cause chronic infections, particularly of the urinary tract. Other symptoms or side effects of feline diabetes include an enlarged liver, pancreatic inflammation and a tendency towards cataracts. These symptoms can be managed or mitigated by careful management of blood sugar levels.
  
  

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Your veterinarian will test your cat's blood and urine for elevated sugar levels. These tests are performed after a period of fasting. Multiple tests may be needed because the stress of testing can increase a cat's sugar levels.
  
  Dietary control and supplemental insulin regulates diabetes for most cats. It is essential that you work closely with your veterinarian to establish an individualized program for your cat. A weight loss plan must be put in place for overweight cats because obesity reduces the body's response to insulin and makes control more difficult.