Are there different types of diabetes mellitus in cats?
Diabetes mellitus is usually classified into 2 types of disease. Type I Diabetes Mellitus results from total or near-complete destruction of the beta-cells. This appears to be a rare type of diabetes in the cat. Type II Diabetes Mellitus, is different because some insulin-producing cells remain. However, the amount produced is insufficient, there is a delayed response in secreting it, or the tissues of the cat’s body are relatively resistant to it. Obesity is a predisposing factor in Type II diabetes, which appears to be the most common type of diabetes in the cat.
