Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a condition which occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone which allows glucose in the blood to enter the cells. It is very important for overall health as the body uses glucose as its main source of energy.
When a pet suffers from diabetes, their body is unable to deliver enough energy for their cells to function normally. This can lead to a wide range of serious and potentially life-threatening health complications.
Just as in humans, pets can suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent, and is the most common type of diabetes in dogs.
Pets with type 1 diabetes require regular shots of insulin to manage their condition. Type 2 diabetes is non-insulin dependent, and can sometimes be regulated with diet and exercise. This type of diabetes is more common in cats
Causes of Diabetes
The cause of diabetes is not fully understood. However, certainfactors are thought to contribute to the development of the condition in pets. These include genetic predisposition, poor diet, obesity, underlying health conditions, and long-term use of corticosteroid drugs. Older pets are also more susceptible to developing diabetes.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Please visit your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment is key to successful management of diabetes.
- Polydipsia (increased thirst)
- Polyuria (increased urination)
- Weight loss
- Hunger
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Cloudy eyes
Diagnosis of Diabetes
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. Standard diagnostic tests such as bloodwork and a urinalysis will be used to assess your pet’s overall condition and rule out other illnesses.
If diabetes is suspected, specialized blood tests will be performed to check for hyperglycemia (high glucose levels in the blood) and glucosuria (the presence of glucose in the urine). Additional diagnostic tests may also be carried out to rule out other causes of your pet’s symptoms and confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.
Treatment and Management of Diabetes
Pets with diabetes will need to be closely monitored so their condition can be effectively managed. Pets with type 1 diabetes will require regular insulin shots to stabilize their blood glucose levels. Treatment will also typically involve dietary changes and a regular exercise routine. If your pet suffers from type 2 diabetes, it may be possible to manage their condition through diet and exercise alone.
A high-fiber diet and daily exercise is usually recommended for diabetic dogs. Regular exercise is also important for cats, along with a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet to help manage their condition. Please ask your veterinarian for advice on planning your pet’s diet and exercise regime.
Regular testing also plays a vital role in managing diabetes. Blood glucose testing can be performed at home, and is an important tool for maintaining consistent control of blood glucose. In addition, you will needto visit your veterinarian regularly so that more complete tests can be performed.
Blood glucose and fructosamine curves can provide your veterinarian with detailed information about your pet’s condition. A blood glucose curve is used to measure your pet’s blood glucose levels over an extended period of time (usually 12-24 hours). For this reason, your pet will usually need to stay overnight in the veterinary clinic.
Fructosamine is a protein that binds to glucose. A fructosamine curve is a simple test that is used to monitor diabetic pets. It can usually be performed on an outpatient basis, and involves taking a sample of your pet’s blood and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.
The results of blood glucose and fructosaminecurves will allow your veterinarian to make changes to your pet’s treatment regime. This is very important for ongoing management of their condition. Other tests may also be recommended to monitor your diabetic pet.
