Diabetes in pets is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot produce or properly respond to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar. While it requires lifelong management—typically through twice-daily insulin injections and dietary changes—it can be successfully treated, allowing pets to live long, happy lives.
Symptoms to Watch For
If your pet exhibits any of the following, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately:
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- Excessive thirst and frequent urination (often resulting in accidents in the house)
- Increased appetite accompanied by unexpected weight loss
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Cloudy eyes (common in dogs due to diabetic cataract formation)
- Sweet or chemical-smelling breath
Dogs vs. Cats
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- Dogs: Canine diabetes is similar to human Type 1 diabetes. The pancreas stops producing insulin, meaning they will almost always require lifelong, twice-daily insulin injections.
- Cats: Feline diabetes more closely resembles human Type 2 diabetes. It is often linked to obesity and genetics. With prompt diet modification, weight management, and insulin, cats can sometimes achieve diabetic remission and no longer need insulin.
Diagnosis & Management
Vets diagnose the condition using blood and urine tests. Treatment focuses on stabilising blood sugar to prevent dangerous complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). You can learn more about managing this condition from the PDSA.