DIABETES IN DOGS
Diabetes is not uncommon in older dogs and cats (although it can occur at any age), and, although it is potentially a serious condition, with a little time and dedication it can be very successfully treated.

What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a hormonal problem. All the cells of the body require glucose (‘blood sugar’) to live and function. After a meal, glucose is absorbed into the blood stream and from there it gets to the cells. For the cells to be able to take up the glucose and use it they depend on a hormone called insulin, which is produced by an organ called the pancreas. Diabetes is caused by a lack of available insulin. Diabetes can occur due to 2 different scenarios: • Type 1 diabetes (‘Insulin dependant diabetes’) – this occurs when the pancreas becomes unable to produce enough insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes in pets • Type 2 diabetes (‘Non insulin dependant diabetes’) – this occurs when the pancreas produces plenty insulin but the cells in the body do not respond to it properly. This is the most common type of diabetes in people.

What are the signs of diabetes?
Lack of available insulin means the cells of the body cannot absorb the glucose they need to make energy.  This can result in weight loss despite a good appetite, and lethargy.  The blood stream contains high levels of glucose as it cannot be absorbed by the cells, and this sometimes causes glucose to ‘leak’ into the urine through the kidneys.  As the glucose ‘leaks’ into the urine it pulls water with it by a process called osmosis.  This results in increased urine production.  To replace the water which is lost in the urine, your pet has to drink more.  So, owners commonly notice their animal eating more, drinking more and peeing more!

• If an animal has been diabetic for a while, the body tries to compensate for the lack of available glucose for the cells.  To do this, it tries to use fat stores instead of sugars for energy.  This can result in a build up of toxic substances in the blood stream which make the animal feel sick.  Vomiting results in further fluid loss and can cause severe dehydration.  These cases are emergencies and often require immediate hospitalisation and treatment.
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How is diabetes diagnosed?
…Diabetes is an easy condition to diagnose using blood and urine tests. A persistently high level of glucose in the blood stream is the most reliable indicator that your pet is diabetic.

Treatment

Unfortunately, usually the underlying cause of the diabetes cannot be cured but it can be treated.  The aim of treatment is to control the signs of diabetes sufficiently for your pet to have a good quality of life.  This can be done by the injection of insulin, which usually has to be given morning and night.  Owners after often initially apprehensive about the idea of injecting their pet, but with a little practice even the most worried of owners often quickly becomes confident with the technique.  The insulin is injected with a specially made syringe which has a very fine needle, so the injections are usually tolerated very well by the patient.
Each animal’s requirement for insulin is different, and when your pet starts on therapy it may take some weeks before we can work out the best routine for them.  Thus, in the initial stages we may need to see you pet frequently to monitor their response to treatment.  As time goes on, the frequency of vet visits will decrease. 

A regular routine is very important in the treatment of diabetes.  As well as insulin injections, careful and consistent feeding, exercise and weight control are important factors.  Our vets and nurses are happy to help if you have any questions regarding the diagnosis or treatment of diabetes.