Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats

Diabetes in the dog and cat and the treatment for diabetes mellitus are interesting and challenging topics. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disorder where the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels. Each case seems to be different, and regulating the diabetic dog or cat so that their blood glucose levels are as normal as possible is vitally important. With no sugar in the cells, the cell dies in a very short period of time.

In dogs the cause is considered in most cases to be due to damage to the cells in the pancreas (called beta cells or islet cells) that produce insulin. Often the damage is due to an abnormal self-destruction of the cells by the body's own immune system actions. This is termed "auto-immune destruction" or "immune mediated" damage.

In cats the most common causes of diabetes are obesity, pancreatitis, or immune mediated damage of the pancreatic beta cells.

Types of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Dogs and Cats

Type I diabetes is comparable to insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in humans. It results in low basal insulin concentrations with impaired insulin secretion following a glucose load. Treatment requires insulin injections. It is the most common form of diabetes in dogs.

Type II diabetes is similar to non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) in humans and is managed with dietary therapy and oral hypoglycemic. It causes normal to increased basal insulin concentrations with decreased secretion following a glucose load. Insulin may or may not be required for animals with Type II diabetes.

Type III diabetes is seen most commonly in hormonally induced diabetes in dogs and cats and is similar to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in humans. Diabetogenic hormones (epinephrine, cortisol, glucagon and growth hormone) or medications interfere with insulin action and cause glucose intolerance, which can lead to diabetes.

Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Dogs and Cats

The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus requires the presence of appropriate clinical signs (polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight loss) in association with hyperglycemia and glucosuria. Serum fructosamine levels may or may not be increased. Diagnosis involves testing for persistent fasting hyperglycemia, with fasting blood glucoses greater than 200 mg/dl.

Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Dogs and Cats

The patient is usually started on a low dose of insulin to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It takes the new insulin dose about a week to equilibrate within the body. To ensure that the pet is on the appropriate dose and frequency of insulin, a glucose curve is then performed in the hospital. This consists of measuring the blood glucose every 2-3 hours for a 12 – 24 hour period. Based on these results as well as how your pet is doing at home, your doctor will adjust the insulin dose as needed. It often takes 3-4 months to get a new diabetic patient regulated and may require frequent visits to the vet initially. Once the patient is regulated, your pet may only need to be seen every 3-6 months.

Tips on giving insulin injections to your pet.

 

 

	Fill the syringe slightly past the recommended dose.
	Remove any small air bubbles by tapping the syringe with your finger.
	Depress the plunger up to the correct dose of insulin for your dog.
	Draw the dog's skin gently upwards and make a small hollow with your index finger.
	Place the needle in the hollow and push it gently through the skin.