North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test

What is the likely explanation for a diabetic cat presenting with a normal blood glucose level after stopping insulin injections?

1. Type I diabetes mellitus

2. Concurrent diabetes insipidus

3. Incorrect initial diagnosis

4. Diabetic remission

The correct answer is: Diabetic remission

The situation described involves a diabetic cat presenting with a normal blood glucose level after stopping insulin injections, which is indicative of diabetic remission. In feline diabetes, especially in cats that are diagnosed early and have an appropriate treatment plan, it is not uncommon for there to be a temporary resolution of clinical signs and normalization of blood glucose levels, allowing for the possible withdrawal of insulin therapy. Diabetic remission in cats often occurs as a result of weight loss, dietary changes, or successful management of the underlying condition. The pancreatic beta cells may regain some functionality, leading them to produce insulin adequately to control blood glucose levels without exogenous insulin. This phenomenon is particularly observed in cats, which can sometimes return to a non-diabetic state after treatment. In contrast, type I diabetes mellitus typically involves a permanent deficiency of insulin production, and thus, it would not explain a case where the cat's blood glucose levels returned to normal without continuing insulin therapy. Concurrent diabetes insipidus involves issues related to water balance rather than glucose regulation, making it irrelevant in this context. An incorrect initial diagnosis may be a consideration, but if the cat was previously diagnosed with diabetes and is now stable, it is more plausible that the cat has achieved remission rather than being incorrectly diagnosed. Overall, recognizing