Diabetes affects approximately 1 out of every 500 dogs in the U.S.   Untreated, it leads to death; it also causes kidney failure and cataracts (which can lead to blindness).  An interesting fact is that 22% of dogs that had gone blind were brought to their veterinarian for behavioral problems, not blindness - the owners hadn't even realized that their dogs had gone blind.

The good news is that Diabetes is not a death sentence for our beloved four-legged buddies - with the correct diet and insulin, we can continue to enjoy them for their normal life spans!

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas (an organ about the size of a chili pepper located near the stomach and small intestine) produces insufficient insulin. All the body's cells use blood glucose for energy, and insulin is needed to get the glucose where it's needed.  When the body doesn't produce enough insulin, glucose can't get into the cells, so it remains circulating in the blood; this causes glucose overload, so the kidneys need extra water to flush it from the body - that's why a diabetic dog drinks more water and urinates more often.  Since the sugar in the blood can't get into the cells, the cells send chemical messages to the brain saying "they are starved - eat more!" Most dogs get a Type I Diabetes (in humans referred to as juvenile-onset diabetes) where the body produces little or no insulin.  

WHAT DOGS GET DIABETES?

Although any breed can develop diabetes, there are certain breeds that seem to be more prone to it:  Keeshonds; Australian, Fox, Cairn and Yorkshire Terriers; Bichon Frises; Samoyeds; Malteses; Lhasa Apsos; Miniature Pinschers; Poodles; Dachshunds and Beagles.  Dogs that have had Pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas are more likely to develop diabetes.   Diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most common in animals 10 years

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

• Your dog has started drinking a lot of water (polydipsia) – more than normal
• Your dog urinates frequently (polyuria).  Many pet guardians don't think anything of this until their companion animal begins urinating in the house. 
• Blood tests show that the dog's blood glucose (sometimes referred to as blood sugar) levels are very high - this is called Diabetes Mellitus (the word "mellitus" comes from the Latin word for honey). 
• Your dog's appetite has significantly increased; he may seem hungry all the time.  And even though he is eating more, he is losing weight.
• The dog's energy and physical abilities are diminished because their cells are starved for energy.
• Cataracts oftentimes develop in dogs due to the excess blood glucose causing swelling in the eye. 

WHAT TYPE OF TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE?

• Medication

Affected animals usually require insulin injections; insulin pills don't work well for dogs.  In a dog, we have to keep the blood glucose lower than in a cat, because the dog can develop cataracts if the blood glucose is too high, and because owners are distressed if their dogs have to be let out frequently to urinate or if they urinate in the house.  I like to keep dogs' blood glucose between 120 and 150.

• Play and Exercise

Consistent daily exercise helps control diabetes, because it causes blood glucose to decrease as the muscles require energy (but excessive exercise may cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar).  Don't expect your diabetic companion animal to be a couch potato all week, and then expect him to exercise for hours on weekends - be consistent. 

Should you overdo the exercise or insulin in your diabetic pet, you will see classic symptoms for hypoglycemia (same for humans):  lethargy, unsteady walking, confusion, loss of bladder control, vomiting and, at the extreme, seizures and loss of consciousness.  Treatment of hypoglycemia consists of getting sugar into your pet (or a person) as quickly as possibly by rubbing corn syrup or honey on the gums, then going to the veterinarian (or doctor).

CAN MY DOG STILL HAVE TREATS?

Diabetic dogs can still have treats, but they can't contain any sugar, such as molasses, fructose, dextrose or maltose (all popular ingredients added to many commercial treats to make them tasty).  Dehydrated meat products and low-sugar vegetables make good rewards.  Most cat treats don't contain the problem sweeteners so you can give these as treats to your diabetic dogs.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

There is a great deal of information about diabetes on the internet.  One site gives step-by-step photo illustrations of how to mix, draw and inject insulin (www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/diabetes.asp).