What Is Diabetes in Dogs?

Diabetes is a Disorder Characterized by Elevated Levels of Blood Glucose (blood sugar) . 

Lack of insulin production causes diabetes.Elevated blood sugar levels can cause serious health problems.
Undiagnosed or diagnosed diabetes in dogs can turn into a medical emergency called DKA diabetic ketoacidosis.
Vomiting diarrhea decreased appetite ,lethargy  are sings of urgency.You need to call your vet 
immediately if you notice these symptoms. 

How long do dogs live after being diagnosed with diabetes?

Dogs with diabetes can do well and continue to live relatively normal lives with insulin therapy and diet changes.

Can you treat diabetes in dogs without insulin?

No. Insulin is a lifelong part of treatment in a diabetic dog.

Types of Diabetes in Dogs

There are primarily two types of diabetes in dogs:

• Type I—Known as insulin-dependent diabetes and is like Type I diabetes in humans. This is the most common type to occur in dogs.
• In Type I diabetes, insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas are destroyed, causing an absolute lack of insulin. 
• This is happening because autoimmune disease or recurrent pancreatitis 
• These dogs needs insulin supplementation for the lifetime 
• Type II—Known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes and is like Type II diabetes in humans. This form of diabetes is typically related to obesity but it’s very rare in dogs 
• In Type II diabetes, the pancreas may produce less insulin, and the body’s cells respond poorly to the insulin that is secreted. This leads to higher glucose  in blood and less glucose entering the cells .

Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs are:

      

1. Increased thirst 
2. Increased urination
3. Increased appetite 
4. Weight loss 
5. Lethargy
6. Dehydration
7. Cataract 

If you don’t treat your dog’s diabetes, the effects of disease are severe and can be also fatal.

These are secondary and long-term effects 

• Seizures-hypoglycemic seizures 
• Liver disease-Fatty liver 
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—DKA is a life-threatening complication of diabetes. When the body break down fat for energy and create ketones blood becomes acidic.
• Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS)—HHS is a life-threatening complication of diabetes that occurs when the blood sugar is too high for too long, leading to severe dehydration and disorientation.
• Diabetic neuropathy—Neurologic damage that causes paralysis,but rarely 

Causes of Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes in dogs can have a few causes. Most dogs have Type I diabetes.Type I diabetes is most likely caused by immune system mistakenly attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to loss of insulin secretion.

Other causes of diabetes are 

• Genetics
• Increased hormone levels (progesterone, growth hormone and cortisol)
• Cushing’s disease 
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Obesity and high-fat diets

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

• Alaskan Malamute
• Australian Terrier 
• Bichon Frese
• Carin Terrier
• Keeshond
• Labrador Retrive
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Miniature Dachshund 
• Norwegian Elkhound
• Poodle
• Pug
• Samoyed 
• Tibetan Terrier
• Yorkshire Terrier

How Veterinarians Diagnose Diabetes in Dogs

To diagnose diabetes, veterinarians must find persistent high blood and urine glucose values.

Your dog  may also have the following tests:

• Blood chemistry and complete blood count (CBC)
• Urinalysis
• Fructosamine
• Radiography
• Thyroid tests
• Cushing’s testing
• Abdominal ultrasonography
• Pancreatitis blood testing

Treatment of Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes treatment in dogs primarily includes insulin and diet changes.

Insulin is the main treatment for diabetes ,for dog can be very expensive yearly ,because they need to get insulin two times a day ,so maybe it’s good idea to get an pet insurance .

Most dogs tolerate insulin injections very well. 

Diet therapy is most important, you should feed your dogs the same thing, around the same time every day. Consistency is key and leads to better and faster regulation of blood sugar in dogs.

Prescription diets are available for diabetic dogs. This diet contain high fiber with appropriate fat, protein, and carbohydrate to maintain blood-sugar levels.

You should ask your veterinaria which food is best for your pet.

Recovery of Diabetes in Dogs

Dogs with diabetes require lifelong monitoring and treatment. Insulin and diet control are typically needed for life.

Initially after diagnosis, your dog may need frequent vet visits to help your vet determine the best insulin dose for treatment to control your pet’s blood sugar. 

After that, if your pet is well regulated, vet visits may be every three to six months and will  include some blood tests to ensure their diabetes is well controlled.

Never change your pet’s insulin dose without the consultation with your vet.

If your dog is not eating or they’re vomiting, call your vet to determine if you should give their insulin. If they are experiencing any signs of low blood sugar, such as weakness or tremors/seizures, you should call vet immediately.

If your dog is showing a breakthrough of clinical signs such as increased drinking, tell your vet. 

Prevention of Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes in dogs is not preventable, but there are some things pet owners can do .

All dogs should be seen their vet every year for a exam and blood tests 

Senior dogs, typically over the age of 6, should be taken to the vet every six months. This can help to detect changes well before they become serious.Dogs can get treatment or have lifestyle changes before they become sick.That can help them to have better quality of life and longer life. Very important is a high quality food and  regular exercise .

Written by Imrana Sljivo DVM🐾

References and sources:

Blois SL, Dickie E, Kruth SA et al: “Use of Insulin Glargine in Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus.” Vet Rec 2012 Vol 170 (2) pp. 52.

Mattin M, O’Neill D, McGreevy PD et al: “An epidemiological study of diabetes mellitus in dogs attending first opinion practice in the UK.” Vet Rec 2014 Vol 174 (14) pp. 349.

Fall T, Hamlin HH, Hedhammar A, et al: “Diabetes mellitus in a population of 180,000 insured dogs: incidence, survival, and breed distribution.” J Vet Intern Med 2007 Vol 21 (6) pp. 1209-16

Tilley LP, Smith FWK. “The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult : Canine and Feline.” Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005

Veterinary Information Network®, Inc. VINcom. Published online June 29, 2005. Accessed April 4, 2022. http://www.vin.com.

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