Feline Diabetes: Remission Is the Goal

Dr. Rosemary Stolzer-Bolton, DVM, DVMFelinePre-RACE approval · 0.5–3 CE creditsFree Preview

Unlike dogs, cats with diabetes can achieve full remission — and many do, when managed aggressively from the start. This course covers the remission-first framework: why feline diabetes differs fundamentally from canine, how to select insulin and dose for remission (not just control), the critical role of low-carbohydrate diet, monitoring tools (home glucometry, fructosamine, continuous glucose), and integrative support for insulin resistance. Earn RACE CE credit (approval pending; hours assigned at approval).

Learning Objectives

  • 1Explain why feline diabetes differs mechanistically from canine diabetes and why remission is achievable in cats but not dogs
  • 2Apply the remission-first insulin selection and dosing framework using glargine or PZI, including how to adjust doses based on nadir glucose curves
  • 3Analyze the role of dietary carbohydrate in feline insulin resistance and identify appropriate low-carbohydrate food options for diabetic cats
  • 4Evaluate monitoring tools — in-clinic glucose curves, home glucometry, and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) — for their practical utility and limitations in feline diabetes management
  • 5Identify and apply integrative adjuncts — including berberine, chromium, inositol, and acupuncture — that may support insulin sensitivity and quality of life in diabetic cats

Course Syllabus

  1. 1
    Meet Marigold: A Newly Diagnosed DiabeticPreview

    Case introduction — classic presentation with a remission-focused treatment plan preview

    5 min
  2. 2
    Why Cats Are Different: The Remission Biology

    Feline NIDDM vs. canine IDDM, amyloid deposition, glucotoxicity, and the remission window

    10 min
  3. 3
    Insulin Selection and Dosing for Remission

    Glargine (Lantus), PZI (ProZinc), and detemir — pharmacology, starting doses, nadir curves, and adjustment logic

    12 min
  4. 4
    Diet Is Not Optional: Low-Carb Nutrition

    Why carbohydrate restriction is the cornerstone of feline diabetes management, how to calculate carb content from labels, and practical food recommendations

    10 min
  5. 5
    Monitoring: Curves, Fructosamine, and CGMs

    In-clinic glucose curves, home glucometry protocol, FreeStyle Libre as CGM, fructosamine as glycemic control marker

    10 min
  6. 6
    Integrative Support and Case Resolution

    Berberine, chromium, inositol, omega-3s, acupuncture for insulin sensitivity; Marigold's 12-week remission outcome

    8 min

Final Assessment

10 questions · Passing score: 70%

Complete all course modules to unlock the assessment. Upon passing, your CE certificate will be generated automatically.