Diabetes is a relatively common disease in both people and pets.
Roughly one in every 400 to 500 cats and dogs is diagnosed with the
disease each year. Most dogs diagnosed with diabetes are
between 7 and 9 years of age; most cats are between 8 and 13. As in
humans, diabetes in dogs and cats is a manageable disease that does
not need to hinder your pet's quality of life.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a
disorder in which the body cannot regulate its blood sugar levels.
Elevated levels of sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia) and in the
urine (glycosuria) are characteristics of the disease. Diabetes is
the result of inadequate production or utilization of insulin, a
hormone needed to convert food into energy.
When insulin production is inadequate, the body cannot properly
metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Insulin secretion
depends primarily on the body's blood glucose: As blood sugar
increases, insulin secretion also increases.
When glucose doesn't reach the target cells, the body thinks
it's starving and begins to break down protein, starches, and
fat to create the sugar it needs to survive. As these compounds are
broken down, the glucose that is produced is added to the glucose
already in the blood.
The glucose level in blood can become so high that it overwhelms
the kidney's ability to process it. The excess glucose is then
lost through the urine, along with a lot of water. This leads to an
increase in urine production (polyuria), which in turn causes the
animal to drink more water (polydipsia). As the cycle continues,
dehydration becomes a potential problem.
In dogs, the excess glucose can enter the lens of the eye, rapidly
creating a cataract. This doesn't happen with cats because
their eyes are different.
Treating and Feeding Your Diabetic Pet
If diabetes is suspected, your veterinarian will conduct several
blood tests, including one to check your pet's blood sugar
level. A urine test will also be conducted to see if glucose is
present. Once a diagnosis of diabetes is made, your veterinarian
will likely start your pet on insulin injections.
Your veterinarian will need to determine the amount and type of
insulin your pet needs.
This typically requires a test called a 'glucose curve,'
during which your pet will likely need to remain at the veterinary
hospital for the test period. In this test, the sugar level in your
pet's blood is checked every 1 to 2 hours for at least 8 hours.
Insulin doses are
adjusted based on the results of this test. Your veterinarian will
monitor the insulin dose until the glucose curve remains constant.
Your pet can then go home.
It will be important to recheck this curve-your veterinarian will
let you know how often this needs to be repeated based on your
pet's response to treatment. The amount and frequency of
insulin administration should never be altered without consulting
your
veterinarian.
In addition to insulin injections, your veterinarian will likely
prescribe a special diet to help regulate the glucose levels in the
blood. He or she may also recommend that your pet's daily food
allotment be divided into two meals served about 12 hours
apart.
Monitoring Your Pet
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your pet's blood sugar
may be difficult to regulate. For some pets, the amount of insulin
needed can fluctuate, which makes it difficult to medicate them
properly. Your veterinarian can evaluate potential causes for your
pet's fluctuations. She may require a different type of insulin
or more frequent shots. Your veterinarian may want to check your
administration technique. Other drugs (such as
steroids) can interfere with the insulin, or the insulin could be
out of date. If the dosage needs to be adjusted, additional glucose
curve tests will need to be performed.
You should schedule an appointment if your pet appears to be ill,
if she's excessively hungry or loses her appetite, or if
she's drinking water and urinating on a frequent basis.
Outlook
Pets with diabetes often live long, healthy lives. If your pet is
diagnosed with the disease, rest assured that with proper
regulation and treatment, you'll have many more happy years
together.
SIGNS OF DIABETES
• Increased water consumption
• Excessive eating
• Weight loss
• Increased frequency of urination
• Urinary tract infections
• Lethargy
Pet Care
