Dogs and cats get diabetes, too—here’s what to look out for and how to manage it

Finding out that a pet has diabetes can come as a shock. Unfortunately, about 20% of cats and dogs have diabetes They are euthanized Within a year of diagnosis due to the effects on pets’ health, owners’ lifestyle and finances.

However, the disease can be managed. For cats, not dogs, effective early treatment gives them a chance Good chance for forgiveness.

Diabetes in cats and dogs is fairly common, but not so As common as in humans. Affects approx 1.5% in dogs and 0.5%-1% in cats.

So what exactly is diabetes? What are the warning signs? How do you manage the disease?

What is diabetes?

Glucose It is the body’s primary energy source. InsulinIt is a hormone produced in the pancreas, and it regulates the levels of this sugar carried in the blood, its absorption into cells and its flow. storage In the liver and muscles.

In animals with diabetes, the body does not secrete enough insulin. The result is high glucose levels (High blood sugar) and associated clinical signs.

Some unspayed female breeds and dogs exist More vulnerablesuch as middle-aged and elderly people Obesity Animals.

Diabetes mellitus (its full scientific name) is generally classified into four main types:

1. Type 1 diabetes

This model results from Autoimmune destruction From insulin production Pancreatic cellsBecause the immune system attacks them by mistake.

The first type is common in dogs, however Rare in cats. Its onset in dogs, usually in middle age, is often malignant.

2. Type 2 diabetes

This form is characterized by insulin resistance and a defect in the cells that produce insulin. It represents Most cases are in cats But it is rare in dogs.

Major Risk factors It is obesity and increasing age. Other factors include genetics, physical inactivity, staying indoors and using Glucocorticoids Steroids.

In the early stages, when the cat is still producing some insulin on its own, type 2 diabetes can be managed with medications that reduce blood glucose. The drugs are officially known as “sodium-glucose cotransporter 2” or (SGLT2) Inhibitors.

In advanced cases, insulin injections are necessary. Long-acting insulin in cats usually controls blood glucose levels Better than Intermediate-acting insulin is commonly used in dogs.

Weight loss is also important for Animals that are overweight or obese. The safe maximum weight loss is 1%-2% of body weight per week in cats, so reaching ideal weight may take 6 to 12 months. Adding steamed zucchini to every meal can aid in weight loss.

3. Other specific types

Some types of diabetes are caused by: Other medical conditions Such as chronic pancreatitis, which is common in diabetic dogs, or acromegaly in cats, where too much growth hormone leads to marked insulin resistance.

4. Dyestrus and gestational diabetes

Diabetes can occur in older females after they go into heat. In the case of dystrophy, the increased secretion of growth hormone from the mammary glands counteracts insulin. Although Very rare in petsFemale dogs can develop transient diabetes during pregnancy.

What signs to look for?

Signs of diabetes usually appear slowly Weeks to months. If diagnosis is delayed, the pet’s health can rapidly deteriorate within 24-48 hours, leading to death if not treated immediately.

Signs to look for include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, and weight loss. However, some dogs and up to 50% of cats with diabetes experience a decreased appetite.

Diabetic cats may change to A Flat foot position They may lose the ability to jump. Diabetic dogs are susceptible to this Cataracts.

Diagnosis involves documenting persistently high blood glucose levels along with glucose in the urine. to be sure or Tests The diagnosis can be confirmed by measuring the average blood glucose over the past few weeks.

In cats, early diagnosis before clinical signs appear can be difficult due to the stress of visiting the vet frequently Raises blood glucose levels. Multiple measurements and/or urinalysis, preferably at home, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

What are the treatment options?

Tailored monitoring and treatment can improve quality of life and reduce euthanasia rates. In cats, early intervention is possible Delaying the onset of clinical diabetes Reducing the burden of long-term insulin therapy.

Insulin therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment. Options range from short-acting insulin for immediate control to intermediate and long-acting insulin for daily administration.

in dogs, Types of insulin known as Borsin Lenti or Protamine Zinc are commonly used. Consistent nutrition and exercise schedules help Stabilize blood glucose levels.

SGLT2 inhibitors have approx There is no risk of clinical signs due to low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) and can be given with food. This may help overcome common treatment barriers such as having to give injections twice daily to diabetic cats.

However, these treatments are most effective with early diagnosis, because they require the cat to continue to produce enough insulin to suppress insulinogenesis. Ketones (acids that your body makes when it breaks down fat for energy). Especially in the first weeks of treatment. Ketogenic monitoring is crucial To avoid life-threatening complications.

For cats showing advanced signs of diabetes, their insulin secretion is unlikely to be sufficient to handle oral SGLT2 inhibitors, and insulin injections will be needed. Insulin is more long-acting Effective to induce remission.

Dietary changes are necessary. Low-carb diets improve remission rates in cats When combined with Long-acting insulin. However, such diets It may not be suitable When using SGLT2 inhibitors.

In newly diagnosed cats who do not have other medical conditions, careful control of blood glucose levels can induce remission. Up to 80% of cases. Hence continuous weight control is the key to maintaining it without further treatment.

Dogs rarely achieve remission because the destruction of insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes is irreversible.

Diabetic cats and dogs can have a good life

Diabetes in dogs and cats can be controlled with proper veterinary care, owner compliance, and adjustments to diet and body weight.

advances in Monitor glucose at homeincluding continuous monitoring devices, means veterinarians and pet owners can better track and manage blood glucose.

For most dogs with diabetes, it is a lifelong condition. For cats, the possibility of recovery, in addition to giving their owners hope, underscores the need for awareness of early symptoms and early veterinary care.

With careful weight and diet control, glucose monitoring, and insulin dose adjustment, diabetic pets can live healthy, fulfilling lives.

This article was republished from Conversation Under Creative Commons license. Read Original article.