Diabetes mellitus, or simply diabetes, is a condition where your pet’s body can’t properly control their blood sugar (glucose) levels. Just like in humans, it happens when the body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar move from the blood into the body’s cells to be used for energy.
Types of Diabetes in Pets
- Type 1 (Insulin-deficient) – Common in dogs. The body stops making insulin. Needs daily insulin injections.
- Type 2 (Insulin-resistant) – More common in cats. The body still makes insulin, but it doesn’t work properly. Can sometimes be reversed with diet and weight loss.
Who’s at Risk?
- Middle-aged to older pets
- Overweight pets
- Female dogs (especially unspayed)
- Certain breeds (like Poodles, Dachshunds, Siamese cats)
- Pets with long-term use of steroids or other hormone conditions
Common Signs of Diabetes
If you notice any of these signs, bring your pet in for a check-up:
- Drinking a lot of water (polydipsia)
- Urinating more often (polyuria)
- Increased hunger but losing weight
- Weakness or tiredness
- Cloudy eyes (dogs)
- Vomiting or loss of appetite in later stages
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Your vet will usually recommend:
- Blood test – to check for high blood glucose
- Urine test – to see if there’s sugar or ketones in the urine
Sometimes further testing is needed to rule out other problems.
How Do We Treat It?
Treatment depends on your pet’s species and condition:
For Dogs:
- Daily insulin injections (usually 1–2 times a day)
- A consistent low-sugar, high-fibre diet
- Regular feeding and insulin timing
For Cats:
- Insulin injections may also be needed
- A high-protein, low-carb diet is key
- Some cats may go into remission with early treatment and weight loss
Both dogs and cats’ benefit from:
- Consistent routines
- Monitoring at home (water intake, appetite, urine output)
- Regular vet check-ups and blood glucose curves
What Happens If It’s Not Treated?
Untreated diabetes can lead to:
- Ketoacidosis (a serious emergency)
- Liver and kidney problems
- Nerve damage
- Cataracts and blindness (in dogs)
Diabetes can sound scary, but many pets do very well once their treatment is started. With the right care, regular monitoring, and support from your vet, your pet can live a full and happy life.