What Is Pet Diabetes?
Pet diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when a pet's body can't properly produce or use insulin, preventing food from being converted into energy. This makes sugar remain in the blood which results in lethargy and other health-related complications.
There are two types of pet diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin (more common in dogs). Type 2 occurs when the body produces some insulin but not enough (more common in cats).
It is estimated that 1 in 300 adult dogs and 1 in 230 cats in the US have diabetes.
What Are The Symptoms?
Noticing the signs of diabetes is the most important step in taking care of a diabetic pet. Immediately seek veterinary care if you notice any of the following symptoms: excessive drinking and increased urination, weight loss with or without an increased appetite, lethargy or weakness, cloudy eyes due to cataracts (especially in dogs), chronic or recurring infections (including skin and urinary tract infections).
What Are The Risk Factors?
Factors that can increase a pet's risk of diabetes include age, genetics, obesity, breed, physical inactivity, indoor lifestyle, hyperthyroidism, and pancreatitis. Female dogs are about twice as likely to develop diabetes as males, and middle-aged to senior dogs are also more at risk.
How Is Diabetes Treated In Pets?
While diabetes can't be cured, it can be managed with treatment and monitoring. Early diagnosis is critical to helping pets live longer, healthier lives. The earlier your pet is diagnosed and started on treatment, the better chance of avoiding complications caused by chronically high blood sugar.
Successful treatment may involve daily doses of insulin, glucose monitoring, attention to diet and exercise, and regular veterinary checkups. Each pet is unique, so they will require an individualized treatment plan consisting of a new diet and medications. The goal is to keep your pet’s blood sugar levels within a healthy range to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life.
While diabetes can be a scary diagnosis, your pet can still live a long, comfortable, and normal life with the illness. By being conscious of their diet, exercise, and insulin needs, their quality of life can be no different than that of a non-diabetic pet.
