Home / Pet Illnesses / Diabetes

DIABETES

Your pet has been diagnosed with diabetesmellitus. Fortunately, diabetes can now be dealt with very successfully - but your pet'streatment will require a good deal of care and day to day consistency on your part.

WHAT IS DIABETES?

During digestion, your pet's food is broken down into components that can be used by its body. Carbohydrates (starches), for example, are converted into various sugars- of which glucose is the most important. Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the blood and provides the body cells with energy.

Glucose, however, can only penetrate most cells in the presence of a hormone called insulin. If there is a shortage of insulin, too much glucose stays in the blood and the condition known as diabetes mellitus develops. Basically diabetes is a shortage of insulin. In some cases, however, it arises from a relative insulin shortage that is brought about by overproduction of other hormones which counteract the action of insulin.

CAUSES OF DIABETES

Insulin is produced by certain cells in a gland called the pancreas. In diabetic animals, these cells do not produce enough insulin.

Type 1 Diabetes – The immune system attacks its own pancreas (Approximately 50% of dogs) leading to reduced production of insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes – Caused by both a deficit in insulin producing cells in the pancreas and also resistance to insulin in the body. Obesity, genetics, diet and pancreatic cell destruction are involved in the development of this type of diabetes in cats and humans.

Entire female dogs between seasons or pregnant may develop diabetes with the hormonal changes.

Repeated episodes of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) may lead to inflammation of the insulin producing cells of the pancreas and diabetes (Approximately 30% of dogs)

DIAGNOSIS

Diabetes is suspected when there are symptoms of excessive drinking/ weight loss /  inappetance. A diagnosis is confirmed with blood and urine tests.

TREATMENT

Insulin therapy and dietary management are the mainstay of treatment. However, treatment can be frustrating and will require constant monitoring of blood glucose levels. Owners need to be dedicated and work with their veterinarian at all times.