Diabetes mellitus, the medical name for diabetes, is a disease caused by a
lack of insulin, or the inability of the body to utilize the insulin properly,
that affects the level of glucose, or sugar, in your dog or cat’s blood. The
glucose comes from the food that your pet eats. The food is broken down into
very small components by the pet’s digestive system so their bodies can use it
for energy. Glucose is one of these components, and an important source of
energy.
Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream where it
travels to cells throughout the body. Insulin is required for the cells to
absorb glucose. Insulin is produced by the pancreas in response to the amount
of glucose in the bloodstream. Healthy pets produce insulin easily, but pets
with diabetes don’t. In canine and feline diabetes, unused glucose builds up in
the bloodstream.
Is diabetes in my pet the same as diabetes in people?
The two conditions are very similar. In fact, your veterinarian will be
using medication, equipment, and monitoring systems that are similar to those
used for diabetic people.
How common is diabetes in dogs and cats?
Diabetes usually affects less than 1% of dogs and cats. But experts believe
that it is on the rise.
Can diabetes lead to other health problems?
Yes. Dogs and cats with diabetes can develop other health problems, usually
after living with diabetes for a year or more. For dogs, a common complication
of diabetes is cataract formation. Persistently high blood glucose levels can
make the lens of the eye opaque, causing blindness. For cats, weakness of the
hind legs is a common complication. Persistently high blood glucose levels may
damage nerves, causing weakness and muscle wasting. For both dogs and cats,
controlling high blood glucose levels can lead to healthier outcomes. For this
reason, early diagnosis of diabetes in your dog or cat is important.
Will diabetes affect my dog or cat’s life expectancy?
Today, with effective treatment and monitoring, a diabetic dog or cat should
have the same life expectancy as a non-diabetic dog or cat of the same age.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment helps diabetic pets maintain a good
quality of life.
Is my dog or cat at risk for diabetes?
While diabetes has been diagnosed in dogs and cats of all ages, genders, and
breeds, certain pets are at greater risk for the disease.
Risk factors in dogs
- Age (middle-aged to older
dogs are more affected)
- Unspayed females
- Genetics
- Obesity
Breed—these breeds have a higher risk for developing diabetes:
- Cocker Spaniels
- Dachshunds
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Pomeranians
- Terriers
- Toy Poodles
Risk factors in cats
- Age (older cats are more susceptible)
- Neutered males
- Genetics
- Other insulin-resistant
disorders or diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the
pancreas) or hyperthyroidism (overproduction of thyroid hormones)
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Indoor lifestyle
Are there warning signs I should be aware of?
Some common signs of diabetes in dogs and cats include:
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination—your pet
produces more urine per day or has “accidents” in the house (dogs) or
outside the litterbox (cats)
- Excessive hunger while losing
weight
- Lethargy (less active/sleeps
more)
- Cloudy eyes (dogs)
- Doesn’t groom (cats)
- Thinning, dry, and dull hair
How will my veterinarian test my pet for diabetes?
Your veterinarian may begin by performing a general health examination and
asking questions about any signs your pet may be displaying. Then, a sample of
your pet’s urine will be tested for the presence of glucose (a type of sugar)
or ketones (acids produced by the body as it breaks down fat instead of glucose
for energy). If glucose is present in your pet’s urine, your veterinarian will
then test your pet’s blood to determine the blood glucose level. A diabetes
diagnosis is considered definite when persistently high glucose levels are
found in both the blood and urine.
How do I take care of a pet with diabetes?
Although there is no cure for diabetes, the disease can be successfully
managed with the help of your veterinarian.
Daily insulin
injections are usually required to restore a pet’s insulin level and control
blood glucose levels. Many owners are anxious about giving injections, but it’s
easier than you think, and you can quickly learn how to handle the dosing
routine with little stress for you or your pet.
Diet plays a
vital role in helping to keep your pet’s diabetes regulated.
Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that’s best suited to the needs of
your pet. A high-quality, consistent source of protein is an essential part of
any diabetic diet.
High-protein, low-carbohydrate foods are
currently recommended for diabetic cats because they provide the extra energy
cats need to get through their active days, without the extra carbs that can
turn into excess sugar. It is important to feed your pet based on its ideal
body weight.
Consistent timing and size of meals is also very important.
Exercise
can help dogs with diabetes, but it needs to be regulated because activity
affects blood glucose levels. It’s best to create a consistent exercise routine
for your diabetic dog and stick to it. (There is no clear recommendation for
exercise in diabetic cats because their activity is difficult to regulate.)
Regular
veterinary checkups can help identify changes in your pet’s condition
and help you to manage this disease successfully over time.
Managing your dog or cat’s diabetes will require some effort, but the
rewards are well worth it. Pets whose diabetes is under control have normal
thirst, appetite, urination, and activity levels. Their weight is generally
stable and they are less likely to develop complications.
Where can I learn more about diabetes in dogs and cats?
The following websites provide useful information:
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