Diabetes mellitus (usually just shortened to 'diabetes') is one of the most common hormonal diseases in our pets, but it is also one of the most complicated to understand. Vet Joanna Woodnutt shares what you need to know.
🕒 3 min read
What is diabetes?
Put simply, diabetes mellitus is a failure of the insulin mechanism that regulates glucose sugars in the blood.
In a non-diabetic pet (or human), when the body detects high levels of glucose in the blood, insulin is released. The insulin moves the glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it can be used, or into the liver, which stores excess glucose.
Individual cells (such as muscle cells) can only absorb glucose at a certain speed, but in the presence of insulin, these cells can absorb glucose up to 10 times faster.
There are two types of diabetes; type I diabetes, where the body doesn't produce enough insulin, or type II diabetes, when the body's cells don't respond to insulin normally.
Humans get both types of diabetes, but dogs tend to get type I, while cats tend to get type II.
How common is diabetes in dogs and cats?
As a vet, I've dealt with my fair share of diabetic cats and dogs. Statistics show that 1 in every 350 or so dogs has diabetes, with some breeds more prone to it than others.
In cats, diabetes affects 1 in 230. It's worth noting that breed is an important risk factor, with Burmese cats nearly four times more likely to suffer from diabetes as the average cat.
Diabetes risk factors
In dogs – who tend to get type I diabetes – there's a strong genetic element to diabetes. West Highland White Terriers and Border Terriers are more likely to be diagnosed, as are those who have pancreatitis or Cushing's disease.
Dogs who have had steroid treatments in the past, as well as those who are obese, have a higher risk; as do unspayed (entire) females, neutered males and dogs over the age of 8.
Cats, on the other hand, tend to get type II diabetes, which is strongly correlated with obesity. This is because obesity reduces the body's sensitivity to insulin. As well as being overweight, risk factors in cats include being male, neutered, and inactive.
Like dogs, cats who have had steroid treatments are also more likely to get diabetes.
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Symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats
Despite cats and dogs having different diabetes 'types', the symptoms of diabetes in dogs and cats are similar. Pets with diabetes tend to drink more, urinate more, and always seem hungry despite losing weight. You might also see:
- Weight loss
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination, and accidents in the house
- Excessive hunger, food stealing, and begging behaviours
- Inappetence (lack of appetite), nausea, and vomiting
- Blindness from cataracts
- Lethargy
- Repeated urine infections
If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect your pet has diabetes, visit your vet as soon as possible. Left untreated, diabetes can progress to diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be fatal.
As well as talking to you about your pet's symptoms, your vet will usually test their blood and urine for excess glucose and fructosamine, which will help them to diagnose diabetes.
Treating pet diabetes
In dog diabetes, insulin injections, which they will need for the rest of their lives, are the main treatment. Although the idea of injecting your pet twice a day can be overwhelming, especially to begin with, in practice it's easier than you might think.
Diabetic dogs will also need to have a fairly strict routine in terms of exercise and diet to ensure that the insulin in their injections is effective at keeping their diabetes under control day-to-day. Your vet may also recommend a specific diabetic dog food.
The story is a little different for cats. With treatment, diabetic cats can go into remission, meaning they may not need diabetic treatment for life. Also, although insulin injections may be necessary, oral treatment for feline diabetes is also available, which many owners find easier to administer.
Changing a cat's diet to one that doesn't cause such a big blood glucose rise (such as a diet low in carbohydrates) can also make a big difference. In obese cats, getting their weight back into a healthy range is also strongly recommended.
Preventing diabetes in pets
Although there is plenty you can do to help your pet stay as healthy as possible (especially keeping their weight under control), it's not always possible to prevent diabetes, as there is a certain amount of genetics and bad luck involved.
As discussed, diabetes in pets is very common, so if you're worried, get them seen as soon as possible; this could help them avoid more serious symptoms.
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