How Do Dogs Get Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Dogs can get diabetes, and it's not just a human problem.

Diabetes in dogs is a common endocrine disorder that occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin.

Most dogs with diabetes are middle-aged or older, with an average age of 7-10 years.

Diabetes in dogs is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects a dog's ability to regulate its blood sugar levels.

There are two types of diabetes in dogs: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is the more common type, where the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin.

In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, making it difficult for glucose to enter cells, leaving them starved of vital energy.

Type 2 diabetes is rare in dogs and more common in cats, where the pancreas may still produce insulin, but the body doesn't use it effectively.

Regardless of type, the end result is cells that are starved of vital energy and a bloodstream full of extra glucose that has nowhere to go.

Diabetes can affect dogs of any age, but it occurs most frequently in middle-aged to older dogs.

Here's a summary of the two types of diabetes in dogs:

Dogs can acquire Type I diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, due to their immune system mistakenly attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

This can lead to a total or partial loss of insulin secretion, making it difficult for the dog to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Females and middle-aged to senior dogs have a higher risk of diabetes, which is a crucial factor to consider when it comes to their health.

Some dog breeds are more prone to diabetes, including Alaskan Malamute, Australian Terrier, Bichon Frise, Cairn Terrier, Keeshond, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Dachshund, Norwegian Elkhound, Poodle, Pug, Samoyed, Tibetan Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Obesity is also a significant risk factor for diabetes in dogs, making it essential for dog owners to maintain a healthy weight for their pets.

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There are primarily two types of diabetes in dogs, with a third being less common. Type I diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common type and occurs when a dog's pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin.

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in dogs is more common and happens when the pancreas doesn't provide enough insulin. This leads to high blood sugar levels, as the body can't use the sugars from food for energy.

Type II diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is less common and occurs when a dog's body becomes resistant to insulin. Even if the pancreas produces insulin, it doesn't work properly in helping cells take in and use sugar from the bloodstream.

Here are the main types of diabetes mellitus in dogs:

Dogs with Type I diabetes require insulin injections to stabilize their blood sugar levels. Type II diabetes is typically seen in obese senior dogs, and while they may respond to oral medications, insulin is usually the best treatment option.

Diabetes in dogs can be caused by a range of conditions, such as the immune system mistakenly attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a total or partial loss of insulin secretion.

Females and middle-aged to senior dogs have a higher risk of diabetes, as well as dogs that are obese.

Some breeds are genetically predisposed to diabetes, including Alaskan Malamute, Australian Terrier, Bichon Frise, Cairn Terrier, Keeshond, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Dachshund, Norwegian Elkhound, Poodle, Pug, Samoyed, Tibetan Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing diabetes, as excess weight can lead to insulin resistance and other health problems.

Type II diabetes, which occurs when there are some insulin-producing cells remaining but not enough insulin is produced to meet the body's demands, is typically seen in obese senior dogs.

Diagnosing diabetes in dogs can be a bit tricky, but veterinarians have a few key tests to help determine if your furry friend has the condition. Persistent high blood and urine glucose values are a must for an official diagnosis.

Veterinarians may start by testing for blood chemistry and complete blood count (CBC), as well as urinalysis, fructosamine, radiography, thyroid tests, Cushing’s testing, abdominal ultrasonography, and pancreatitis blood testing.

To confirm the diagnosis, veterinarians look for persistent hyperglycemia and glucosuria, which are high levels of glucose in the blood and urine, respectively. They may also use a serum fructosamine concentration test to rule out stress-induced hyperglycemia.

Here are some common tests used to diagnose diabetes in dogs:

Diagnosis of Canine Diabetes is a multi-step process that involves various tests and examinations. Your veterinarian may perform blood testing to check for excessive glucose levels, high liver and kidney enzymes, as well as electrolyte imbalances.

A urinalysis is also commonly performed to test for glucosuria, or glucose in the urine. This test helps confirm the presence of diabetes in dogs.

Your veterinarian may also conduct a physical examination, review your dog's medical history, and potentially perform additional tests to rule out other conditions.

Some common tests used to diagnose canine diabetes include:

These tests help your veterinarian determine the presence and severity of diabetes in your dog.

Diagnosing diabetes mellitus in cats can be a bit tricky due to stress-induced hyperglycemia being a common problem.

The normal blood glucose concentration in cats is 75–120 mg/dL, measured after food withholding.

A thorough history should be taken to rule out exposure to drugs or diseases that predispose to diabetes.

Multiple blood and urine samples may be required to confirm the diagnosis, especially in cats.

In cases of stress-induced hyperglycemia, the fructosamine concentrations are normal.

The measurement of serum fructosamine concentration can assist in differentiating between stress-induced hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus.

To prevent canine diabetes, it's essential to maintain a healthy weight by feeding your dog a balanced diet and exercising them regularly. This will help keep your furry companion lean and active, reducing the risk of developing diabetes.

Spaying or neutering your dog at an appropriate age can also reduce the risk of diabetes, as well as other potential health conditions. This is a crucial step in early detection and prevention.

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are vital for early detection of canine diabetes. By scheduling these check-ups, you'll be able to catch any potential issues before they become major problems.

Feeding your dog a high-quality diet that meets all their nutritional requirements is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing diabetes. This should be tailored to your dog's sex, age, and breed.

Dogs with diabetes may experience changes in their appetite, with some having an increased appetite and others a decreased appetite. It's essential to monitor your dog's eating habits and consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes.

A decrease in appetite can be a sign of diabetes, but it's not the only symptom. Lethargy, or a lack of energy, is another common symptom, especially in typically active dogs.

At-home blood glucose monitoring is recommended for dogs with diabetes, as it allows for more frequent testing and reduces the stress of in-hospital testing. This can improve glycemic control and increase the likelihood of obtaining remission.

Cats with diabetes mellitus can exhibit a range of clinical signs, including polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. These symptoms can be subtle at first, but as the condition progresses, cats may start to show more obvious signs such as weight loss, lethargy, and cataract formation.

A significant number of cats with diabetes mellitus experience a decreased appetite, with up to 50% of cats showing this symptom. This can be a challenging aspect of managing the condition, as a decrease in appetite can lead to weight loss and other complications.

Some cats may also develop diabetic neuropathy, which can cause weakness and other neurological symptoms. In addition, cats with diabetes mellitus are more susceptible to infections such as cystitis, prostatitis, and bronchopneumonia.

Hepatomegaly due to lipid accumulation is also common in cats with diabetes mellitus, resulting from increased fat mobilization from adipose tissue. This can lead to a fatty liver, which can be a serious complication if left untreated.

Here are some key clinical signs to look out for in cats with diabetes mellitus:

It's essential to work closely with a veterinarian to monitor your cat's condition and adjust treatment as needed to prevent these complications and ensure the best possible outcome.

A dog experiencing an unusual lack of energy can be a sign of diabetes, as seen in Example 1.

Lethargy in dogs can be a concerning symptom that requires immediate attention. If your typically active dog is suddenly feeling sluggish, it's essential to investigate the cause.

A lack of energy can also be a sign of other underlying health issues, such as kidney disease or heart problems. These conditions can lead to a decrease in a dog's overall activity level and energy.

If you notice a change in your dog's behavior, it's crucial to monitor their condition closely and consult with a veterinarian if the lethargy persists.

Blood glucose monitoring is a crucial part of managing your dog's diabetes. It's best to perform blood glucose testing at home to avoid changes in your dog's routine and minimize stress.

Your veterinarian will likely start with clinical signs and serial blood glucose determinations to monitor treatment after initial stabilization at home for 5-7 days. Studies have shown that at-home monitoring improves glycemic control in both dogs and cats and increases the likelihood of obtaining remission in cats.

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Blood glucose curves can aid in detecting subclinical hypoglycemia, but they can be complicated by day-to-day variability and the potential for nondetection of nocturnal hypoglycemia. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems offer a solution by recording interstitial glucose concentrations over extended periods.

CGM systems measure interstitial glucose concentration every 15 minutes for up to 14 days. While CGM is not specifically calibrated for veterinary patients, it has been successful in both dogs and cats, providing accurate readings in general. However, some patients may show marked differences between CGM and blood glucose readings, especially when glucose readings are low.

It's essential to confirm low CGM readings with a blood glucose reading to ensure accuracy. Your veterinarian may recommend using a CGM system to monitor your dog's glucose levels and make adjustments to their insulin dose as needed.

Here are some common ways your veterinarian might monitor your dog's response to insulin:

The prognosis for dogs with diabetes is generally quite good with proper management. However, dogs with pre-existing health conditions understandably have a more guarded prognosis.

Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment are key factors in achieving a positive prognosis. With appropriate insulin therapy, a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and diligent monitoring, many diabetic dogs can achieve good glycemic control and maintain stable blood sugar levels within the target range.

Some dogs may experience occasional complications or require adjustments to their treatment plan, which is why regular veterinary visits and communication with your veterinarian are so important for long-term diabetes management.

Organ damage is a serious concern for dogs with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can cause damage to organs such as the kidneys, liver, heart, and eyes.

Dogs with poorly controlled diabetes are at risk of developing complications like kidney failure, liver disease, and heart disease. These conditions can lead to vision loss or blindness.

The good news is that these serious complications are relatively rare in dogs due to their shorter lifespan. Since dogs are often older when they become diabetic, these complications are much less common than in humans.

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Nerve damage can be a serious complication of diabetes, particularly in dogs.

Prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic neuropathy, a condition that affects the hind legs in dogs, causing weakness and difficulty walking.

This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, leading to loss of coordination and balance.

A dog's back legs can even collapse due to the weakness caused by nerve damage.

Diabetic neuropathy can also affect other parts of the body, but the hind legs are primarily affected.

It's essential to manage blood sugar levels carefully to prevent nerve damage and its complications.

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The outlook for dogs with diabetes is generally quite good with proper management. This means that with the right care, many diabetic dogs can achieve good glycemic control and maintain stable blood sugar levels within the target range.

Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment are key factors in achieving a positive prognosis. This emphasizes the importance of working closely with your veterinarian to monitor and manage your dog's diabetes.

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Proper management involves insulin therapy, a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and diligent monitoring. With these elements in place, many dogs can live happy and healthy lives despite their diabetes.

However, dogs with pre-existing health conditions have a more guarded prognosis. This highlights the need for regular veterinary visits and communication with your veterinarian to ensure the best possible outcome.

Occasional complications can still arise, even with diligent care. This is why regular veterinary visits and adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary for long-term diabetes management.