Even before Pheobe was diagnosed with diabetes, in fact, that same summer of 2005, - I noticed that she seemed to 'sniff' for things as against 'look'. I kind of dismissed it. Although its not stated as a 'normal' thing for acromegalic cats (i.e. neurological/eyesight problems) I feel sure that was the very first 'warning sign'. I'm convinced now, that if she was x-rayed/tested at that time we would have found 'something'. More at this url