Diabetes mellitus commonly strikes older, obese male cats. In its most common feline form, the pancreas doesn’t produce any or enough insulin, a hormone that regulates the flow of glucose used as fuel for a variety of metabolic processes. The patient lacks nourishment, and excess glucose remains in the bloodstream, potentially damaging organs and blood vessels.
DM is believed to involve oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of free radicals, which can damage cells, DNA and other molecules, and the body’s ability to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants.
Craig Webb, DVM, Ph.D., at Colorado State is leading a clinical trial of a novel reatment funded by the Morris Animal Foundation. He’s evaluating a nutraceutical antioxidant’s effect on the signs and biochemical abnormalities of the disease.
