Diabetes

There are two forms of diabetes in pets: diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus is a very rare disorder that results in failure to regulate body water content. Due to its rarity, this article shall discuss the more common kind: Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes Mellitus is a fairly common disorder. It is a disease of the pancreas. This is a small but vital organ that is located near the stomach. It has two significant populations of cells. One group of cells produces the enzymes necessary for proper digestion. The other group, called beta-cells, produces the hormone called insulin. Simply put, diabetes mellitus a failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by high blood sugar, which occurs when there is insufficient insulin to meet the pet's requirements. This handout is provided to help you learn more about Diabetes Mellitus, a disease which may respond to pet foods that contain moderate to high levels of fiber.

A pet with Diabetes Mellitus will exhibit some or all of the following signs:

• Weakness
• Rapid weight loss
• Increased thirst
• Depression
• Frequent urination
• Abdominal pain
• Lack of appetite or increased appetite are also signs. In some pets, sudden blindness due to cataracts and/or detached retinas may indicate diabetes.

Causes

Diabetes Mellitus in dogs and cats is caused by damage to the pancreas. Predisposing factors for this disease include:

• Obesity
• Gender (in dogs, females are affected twice as often as males, and in cats, diabetes is more prevalent in males)
• Genetic predisposition
• Poor diet
• Stress
• Hormonal abnormalities
• Drugs

Home Care Management for Diabetes Mellitus

There is no cure for Diabetes Mellitus, but as with humans it can be controlled with insulin injections, exercise and proper nutrition. Your veterinarian may recommend a pet food that contains moderate levels of fiber for one or all of the following reasons:

• Studies show that foods containing moderate to high levels of fiber lower insulin requirements and blood glucose levels;
• Experts believe that fiber may cause the body to be more responsive to insulin;
• Fiber slows the absorption of glucose from the intestinal tract and decreases hyperglycemia (high blood sugar);
• Foods with fixed nutrient profiles are consistent both in ingredient content and nutrient source; many commercial foods can vary from batch to batch depending on ingredient cost and availability.

If your pet is overweight and diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus or other fiber-responsive disease, your veterinarian may recommend a food with high levels of fiber. Remember to follow these steps, and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian or healthcare team member.

Step 1: Make sure your pet eats a meal before you give the insulin injection.

Step 2: Feed the recommended food in the correct quantity at a regular time each day in conjunction with the insulin.

Step 3: As a general rule, the diabetic pet should be fed more than once a day to help maintain a constant blood sugar level.

Step 4: Do not feed table scraps or any food not recommended by your veterinarian.

If you have any questions concerning this disease or the care your pet needs, please call our office at 913-649-0440 or 913-649-0446. We will be happy to assist you.

Cherokee Animal Clinic
Cherokee Cat Clinic