Fasting glucose concentrations are higher and glucose tolerance is lower in Burmese cats compared to matched non-Burmese cats

Burmese cats in Australia, New Zealand and the UK have an increased risk of developing diabetes, but the underlying pathological cause is unknown. Some predisposing factors in Burmese cats have been identified, such as chronic or recurring medical problems, dental disease, repeated corticosteroid treatment, confinement indoors and lower physical activity. Islet amyloidosis and pancreatitis have been ruled out as primary causes of diabetes in Burmese cats. The aim of this study was to compare glucose and insulin parameters between matched Burmese and non-Burmese cats before and after a glucose challenge, to better understand their predisposition to diabetes.