Although diabetes only affects 1 in 400 pets on average, the incidence of diabetes in dogs has risen 200 percent over the past 30 years. Susceptible to type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes, dogs are unable to utilize sugar in their bloodstream because their bodies do not produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps cells turn sugar into energy.
Is your dog or cat experiencing any of these signs?
- Excessive thirst – your cat may appear fascinated with taps, water bowls, and anything associated with water
- Frequent urination – your pet produces more urine per day; dogs may have “accidents” in the house while cats may suddenly be going outside the litter box
- Lethargy – your pet is less active and seems to sleep more than usual
- Hungrier than usual but still losing weight
- Cloudy eyes (dogs)
- Doesn’t groom (cats)
- Thinning, dry, and dull hair
If you notice these symptoms, talk to your veterinarian about getting your pet screened for diabetes. With proper management and monitoring, a dog or cat with diabetes can lead a healthy, happy, and active life.
Although humans generally show some willingness to modify their behavior to help their treatment, pet owners face additional problems in that animals generally don’t understand the need for intervention.
Diabetic pet easier to treat than diabetic child
“Actually, dogs with diabetes are similar to young children with diabetes, but somewhat easier to manage,” said Charles Wiedmeyer, assistant professor of veterinary clinical pathology at the University of Missouri. “Dogs will eat what their owners give them at the same time each day and they won’t ask for a cupcake at a friend’s birthday party.”
Just like people, dogs suffering with diabetes must be medically managed or complications can arise. Veterinarians treat animals with this type of diabetes the same way humans are treated: with insulin injections and a low-carbohydrate diet.
Researchers pioneer animal diabetes treatment
Previously, veterinarians created an insulin regimen based on blood samples taken from the animal in the veterinary hospital every two hours over the course of a single day. The glucose curve was often inaccurate due to increased stress from the animals being in an unnatural environment.
Now, American researchers have changed the way veterinarians treat diabetes in animals by adapting a device used to monitor glucose in humans. Assistant Professors Amy DeClue and Charles Wiedmeyer have been studying the use of a continuous glucose monitor on animals since 2003 and have posted a video highlighting their study. The continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a small flexible device inserted about an inch into the skin.
“Continuous glucose monitoring is much more effective and accurate than previous glucose monitoring techniques and has revolutionized how veterinarians manage diabetes in dogs,” said DeClue. “The CGM gives us a complete view of what is happening in the animal in their natural setting. For example, it can show us if a pet’s blood glucose changes when an owner gives treats, when the animal exercises, or in response to insulin therapy.”
The good news – if your dog was recently diagnosed with diabetes – is that dogs receiving proper treatment for diabetes can go on to live a long, full life.