Diabetes in Dogs and Cats

Does my dog have diabetes or is my cat suffering from diabetes? Here you can learn more about the most common symptoms of this illness and the most important measures for dealing with diabetic animals.

What does 'diabetic' mean?
Animals suffer from diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, when they do not produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the existing insulin sufficiently. Such an insulin deficiency causes sugar from the blood not to be transported into the cells, where it is needed for energy production. As a result, blood sugar levels rise far above the normal value, and the body is no longer able to properly convert the supplied energy.

How common is diabetes in dogs and cats?
Diabetes mellitus is a common disease. Approximately 1-2% of dogs and cats are affected. Although animals of any age can develop the disease, it most commonly occurs in middle to old age. Especially in cats, obesity plays a significant role as a risk factor.  

What are the symptoms of diabetes?
The following signs may indicate diabetes:

•    Your pet suddenly drinks much more than usual
•    It urinates more frequently and in larger amounts
•    It is constantly hungry, eats a lot, and still loses weight
•    It loses a lot of weight in a short period
•    It is often tired and weak

If your dog or cat shows such symptoms, you should have your beloved pet examined by a veterinarian as quickly as possible. 

What is the prognosis for diabetes?
If the disease is not treated, serious secondary damage can quickly occur. Lens opacities, increased susceptibility to infections, increasing weakness, and paralysis are just a few of them. The disease can also lead to a complete metabolic imbalance and the death of the patients. 
However, if the disease is recognized early and treated appropriately, animals can certainly lead a completely normal life for many years.  In 30 – 50% of cats, diabetes even completely regresses within the first year of treatment. 

Therapy for Diabetes
Most forms of the disease can be successfully treated with insulin therapy. After a sometimes somewhat demanding period of adjusting to the correct insulin dose, animals and their owners usually quickly get used to the daily administration of injections.  

Important Behavioral Rules for Diabetes Mellitus
Feeding
Animals with diabetes should always be fed at the same time. The food should also always be given in the same amount and of the same quality. The better feeding times and amounts are kept constant, the better blood sugar levels can be regulated. For additional support, there are various types of food specially developed for diabetic dogs and cats.
Exercise
Diabetic animals should be exercised regularly, as exercise lowers insulin requirements.  Here too, it is important to ensure that exercise times and intensity are kept as constant as possible to avoid major fluctuations in blood sugar levels. For overweight animals, exercise also helps to reach normal weight more quickly, which can additionally positively influence the disease. 
Stress and Illnesses
Stress can lead to a worsening of symptoms and should therefore be avoided if possible. If your diabetic pet is not eating or shows other signs of illness, you should consult the treating veterinarian as quickly as possible.