Diabetes is a common problem in middle aged to older pets.  We tend to see diabetes more in cats, but we also see it in dogs, with obesity increasing their risk.

Diabetes Mellitus is a condition caused by a chronic elevation of blood sugar in the body.  The pancreas is the organ which produces insulin, and for unknown reasons, sometimes it cannot produce enough insulin.  Without enough insulin in the body, the blood sugar levels continue to rise.

Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, increased appetite, increased urinations, weight loss, and weakness.  Diabetes is diagnosed based on history, thorough exam, and blood and urine analysis.  Since these symptoms can point to a number of illnesses, it’s important that blood work and urine samples be evaluated to make a proper diagnosis.  Why urine?  We need to rule out other illnesses such as infection, renal disease, or urinary stones.  Also, diabetics often excrete sugar, and sometimes ketones (see below) in the urine.

Diabetes can be tricky to treat.  Most diabetic pets require insulin injections, usually twice a day.  Your veterinarian will demonstrate giving injections to your pet.  The needles on the insulin syringes are very small, and most pets tolerate receiving the injections pretty well. 

Diabetic pets need to be on a strict diet as directed by your veterinarian.  Often this is a prescription diet, such as Hill’s W/D or R/D, which are high fiber to help with overweight pets.  There’s also Hill’s Feline M/D which is a high protein, low carbohydrate food for diabetic cats.  A good exercise program, for both dogs and cats, is important as well.  Both diet and exercise are essential to the successful management of diabetic patients.

As with people, diabetic pets, especially those on insulin, can have low blood sugar.  This can happen if they are ill, haven’t eaten, or received too much insulin.  Pets with low blood sugar appear weak, lethargic, groggy, dazed and uncoordinated.  Pets with low blood sugar can also suffer tremors, seizures, coma or even death.  Owners should keep honey or karo syrup at home to give orally (carefully rub on the gums) in case low blood sugar is suspected.  Any time you suspect your pet has low blood sugar, you should call your veterinarian immediately.

Diabetic pets need to have frequent veterinary visits to monitor their blood sugar.  Sometimes they will stay in the hospital for a Glucose Curve, where the blood sugar is checked several times during the day.  We monitor how high and how low their glucose level is after giving the insulin.  We will also check a blood test called a Fructosamine, which will tell us how the blood sugar has been over the last several weeks.  These can help the veterinarian determine the appropriate treatment for your pet.

There is also a condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis.  In diabetics, the body is unable to break down glucose as energy, so it works to break down the fat instead.  When the body breaks down fat as energy, it forms waste products called Ketones.  Sometimes in diabetic patients, the body is unable to eliminate these ketones, and they build up in the bloodstream.  In high amounts, the ketones become toxic and can cause an electrolyte imbalance, causing symptoms similar to Diabetes Mellitus.  Treatment is also similar when this is caught in time but it can also require hospitalization and more involved treatment.

While diabetes can be tricky to treat, with careful monitoring and a strict diet, diabetic patients can live a happy life.  Untreated patients, just like with humans, feel miserable and do not have a good quality of life.  Sometimes you can avoid diabetes just by feeding a proper diet and keeping your pet at a proper weight and body condition.  Ask your veterinarian to screen your pet for diabetes today!