What is a potential cause of increased glucose levels in cats?

Increased glucose levels in cats can be attributed to diabetes due to the body's inability to produce sufficient insulin or effectively utilize it. When a cat has diabetes, glucose from the blood cannot enter the cells for energy use, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

Diabetes mellitis is particularly common in middle-aged to older cats, and the condition can manifest in various clinical signs, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss despite an increased appetite. The presence of these symptoms, combined with high glucose levels, often leads to a diagnosis of diabetes.

In contrast, while dietary changes can influence glucose levels temporarily, they do not generally lead to persistently elevated levels in the absence of an underlying disorder like diabetes. Dehydration may result in elevated glucose concentrations due to hemoconcentration but isn't a direct cause of chronic high blood sugar. Increased exercise typically lowers glucose levels, making it less relevant as a cause of increased glucose. Therefore, diabetes is the condition most directly associated with chronic and significant increases in blood glucose levels in cats.