Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease characterized by an inability of a pet to maintain blood glucose levels within the normal range. Glucose comes from the digestion of food and is used by the body as a source of energy. Glucose levels are controlled by several hormones, most importantly insulin aids the sugars to be used by the body’s cells, which in turn lowers the amount of glucose in the blood. The most common cause of DM in dogs is a failure to produce enough insulin, which results in persistently high blood glucose. This has many effects throughout the body, some of which you may notice as increased thirst, increased urinating and an increased appetite despite weight loss.

DM is a serious condition requiring life-long treatment with insulin injections in dogs. In cats, more than 80% of cats will go into remission after 1-3 months of treatment, and suddenly no longer require ongoing treatment (though up to 30% will relapse into DM again). Unfortunately the expected life span for diabetic pets will be reduced and potential health complications may arise in later years. Your pet will need regular revisits to the clinic and blood tests, to check on its progress and must be monitored at home to keep track of your pets DM.

Blood glucose is affected by three main factors which must all be kept in balance.

1. Food – blood glucose will increase shortly after a meal, then slowly decrease
2. Insulin – decreases free glucose in blood by assisting the bodies cells to use it as energy
3. Exercise – decreases free glucose in blood by using the glucose for energy during exercise

Food

Your pet will require a special diet to help minimise blood glucose fluctuations and assist with weight loss if your pet is overweight. It is important to avoid obesity because this reduces the body’s responsiveness to insulin. We recommend Hill’s w/d for dogs which is high in fibre and low in fat. We recommend Hill’s m/d for cats which is high in protein and low in carbohydrates (sugar), even once your cat is in remission. Feeding times must be regular and consistent, with two meals 12 hours apart, the best option, especially in dogs. Remember: no tid-bits as this will unbalance the insulin: blood glucose ratios.

Insulin

Insulin injections must also be regular and consistent to match the periods of high blood glucose after each meal. Once you and your pet develop a feeding and insulin routine, stick to it. The insulin injection should be given at the same times each day, often at the time of eating, or directly after, whichever suits your pet.

Exercise

Exercise is good for your pet and can help prevent obesity. Care must be taken to ensure it doesn’t cause the blood glucose to fall to dangerous levels with extreme exercise and prolonged exercise. Keep exercise consistent and regular and be aware of any changes in behavior that may indicate falling blood glucose such as a depressed or lethargic pet that struggles to wake, walk, or be active. If you notice anything like this, call your vet immediately for advice.

Managing Diabetes

An important part of managing diabetes is routine monitoring, both by you at home and by regular check-ups at the vet. Basic monitoring at home can be done by keeping an eye on water consumption, body weight, and even testing urine glucose.

With any diabetic pet, the two main problems which you may encounter are:

High blood glucose

• May be due to forgetting an insulin injection, the animal eating more than he/she should, or not injecting enough insulin.
• Signs include increased drinking, increased urination, weight loss, poor coat condition, persistent glucose in urine
• If these signs are seen, see the vet for blood glucose monitoring. This may result in the insulin levels being increased. DO NOT ADJUST INSULIN LEVELS ON YOUR OWN.

Low blood glucose

• May be due to an overdose of insulin, if your pet misses a meal, or you exercise your pet more than he/she is used to.
• Signs include hunger, anxiety, unsteady on their feet, muscle twitching or stumbling
• Treat by giving your pet some honey or jam, even wiping it on their gums, and seeking veterinary assistance immediately.

Looking after a pet with diabetes is a big commitment, both in time and money. You and your whole family must be aware of the importance of keeping the balance between food, insulin, and exercise. Consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health. Once you adjust to living with a diabetic pet, you will find it very rewarding to look after your pet in such a special way.