Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats

More than 37 million Americans have diabetes mellitus, a group of diseases that affects how your body turns food into energy. It is also a condition that affects cats and dogs, and it is important to recognize the signs of diabetes mellitus in pets and how to treat it.  

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is caused by the failure of the pancreas (an organ in the abdomen near the stomach) to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. In general, diabetes in dogs is like Type 1 diabetes in people where the dog will require lifelong insulin therapy. Diabetes in cats is like Type II diabetes which may be manageable with dramatic changes in diet and lifestyle.  

What are the Signs of Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats?

Insulin is a very important hormone that allows the cells within the body to absorb and use glucose (sugar) for energy. If there is not enough insulin present in the body, the cells cannot use the glucose and the glucose level in the blood continues to increase. This is called hyperglycemia. During hyperglycemia, the kidneys (important organs for filtering nutrients including glucose) become overwhelmed and cause glucose to spill over into the urine. This results in increased urine production which is a common symptom in dogs.   

As a result of the pet urinating so frequently, the body compensates for this water loss by causing an increase in thirst to prevent dehydration. Weight loss commonly occurs despite an increased appetite because the body can’t use glucose effectively and instead uses protein and fat. As less glucose is available to the body for energy, there is more breakdown of fat and protein resulting in dramatic decreases in weight and muscle mass.  

How is Diabetes Mellitus Diagnosed in Dogs and Cats? 

If your pet is being seen for any of the signs of diabetes mellitus mentioned above, your family veterinarian may run blood and urine tests to check your pet’s glucose levels. They may also check your pet’s fructosamine level which measures the average blood glucose level over a two-to-three-week period. In addition, they may run a full blood and urine panel on your pet to ensure there is no other cause for your pet’s hyperglycemia, such as stress (often in cats) or a kidney injury.  

Treating Diabetes Mellitus

If blood and urine tests indicate that your pet has diabetes, your family veterinarian will develop a personalized treatment plan for your pet to optimize their quality of life. Treatment options may include injectable insulin and diet changes, including higher protein but fewer carbohydrates. Consistency is the key to helping your pet avoid fluctuations in their glucose – consistent diet, mealtimes, exercise, and injection timing.  

Monitoring Diabetic Dogs and Cats

Your family veterinarian will recommend the best way to monitor to your pet’s diabetes, which could include using test strips to monitor urine or a continuous glucose monitor. Such monitors use a sensor placed on your pet’s skin with a small probe that measures their glucose level continuously, 24/7 for 14 days. This continuous monitoring system provides your veterinarian with reports, graphs, and logs depicting how your pet is responding to their insulin.  

The goals of diabetic control are the same, regardless of the monitoring method: 

1. Ensure your pet’s thirst and urination habits have improved (ideally close to your pet’s normal) 

2. Ensure your pet maintains a healthy weight 

3. Preserve the strong human-animal bond shared between you and your pet 

By following the treatment plan outlined by your family veterinarian and careful monitoring, your pet’s diabetes can be successfully managed, allowing them to live long and healthy lives!