According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2020 there are approximately 463 million people worldwide and about 88 million people in India living with diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes as per IDF is 9%, meaning 9 out of 100 people have diabetes. You may know that humans can develop diabetes but did you know that dogs can also suffer from this condition? According to one statistic 1-2 out of every 309 dogs and 1 out of every 210 cats develop diabetes.
I’m going to tell you all about diabetes mellitus commonly known as diabetes with a special focus on diabetes in dogs. You are also going to know what type of diabetes, Remedy for Diabetes and what are the required things we need to take for it.
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Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is classified into two main types: Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)
Type 1 diabetes also known as juvenile diabetes occurs when the beta cells in the pancreas islets of Langerhans, which produce insulin are destroyed. This leads to a lack of insulin secretion, which is crucial for glucose metabolism. Insulin helps maintain the body’s glucose levels, preventing them from becoming too high.
Type 2 Diabetes (Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)
In Type 2 diabetes, the beta cells produce insulin, but the body’s cells become resistant to it, meaning they cannot effectively use the insulin. This resistance prevents proper glucose uptake, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in Dogs
In dogs the classification of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes doesn’t perfectly align with human diabetes. Most cases of diabetes in dogs are insulin-dependent resembling Type 1 diabetes, where insulin therapy is required.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs
If your dog develops diabetes you’ll notice certain clinical symptoms. The first sign is a change in appetite your dog may either eat excessively or stop eating altogether. The next symptom is increased thirst causing the dog to drink more water than usual. This leads to polyuria or excessive urination.
Other symptoms include:
- Weight loss: Despite eating, the dog loses weight.
- Lethargy: The dog becomes weak and lacks energy.
- Poor coat condition: The dog’s coat may become dull.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: Due to improper fat metabolism, the body enters a state of ketoacidosis, leading to severe dehydration.
- Cataracts: Dogs may develop cataracts, leading to blindness.
- Kidney problems or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Chronic skin problems or high blood pressure.
In later stages dogs may exhibit severe clinical symptoms.
Diagnosis of Diabetes in Dogs
To confirm diabetes in dogs veterinarians rely on the following methods:
- Medical History: A family history of diabetes increases the likelihood.
- Clinical Symptoms: Symptoms like increased thirst, urination, and weight loss are evaluated.
- Blood Tests: Blood sugar levels are checked. In dogs, normal blood sugar levels are similar to those in humans (around 100 mg/dL). Elevated levels indicate diabetes.
- Urine Tests: Glucose in the urine is a sign of diabetes, as it appears when blood glucose exceeds the renal threshold.
Management of Canine Diabetes
There is no permanent cure for diabetes, but it can be managed to improve the dog’s quality of life. The three key aspects of managing diabetes in dogs are:
- Proper Insulin Therapy
- Proper Diet
- Proper Exercise
Insulin Therapy
Once a veterinarian diagnoses diabetes they will conduct tests to determine the appropriate insulin dosage. Typically insulin injections are given twice daily 12 hours apart (e.g., 8 AM and 8 PM). Follow your vet’s instructions carefully and never double the dose if you miss one as this can lead to hypoglycemia, where blood sugar drops dangerously low, potentially causing the dog to go into a coma.
Dietary Management
The dog’s diet should be fixed and consistent high in fiber to ensure slow glucose release, preventing postprandial hyperglycemia. The diet should be low in fat and rich in protein. Feeding should occur at fixed times and overfeeding should be avoided to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Exercise
Regular but moderate exercise is essential. Excessive exercise can lead to hypoglycemia so it’s important to maintain a balanced routine. Regular vet checkups are crucial to monitor the dog’s health and ensure proper management.
Prevention of Diabetes in Dogs
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent diabetes in dogs due to genetic factors, you can reduce the risk by:
- Regular Exercise: Keep your dog active to maintain a healthy weight.
- Balanced Diet: Provide a nutritious, balanced diet to avoid obesity.
- Regular Vet Checkups: Routine health checks can help detect issues early.
- Preventing Pancreatitis: Obesity and poor diet can lead to pancreatitis, which increases the risk of diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes in Dogs
There’s also a third type of diabetes called gestational diabetes which occurs in pregnant female dogs. During pregnancy blood glucose levels can rise significantly even in dogs with no prior history of diabetes. This condition is temporary and linked to pregnancy.
Great article. There is a diabetes diagnosis test called A1c now available for cats and dogs just like humans.