Diabetes Is On The Rise

The modern lifestyle of our pets is believed to be increasing their risk of developing diabetes mellitus. As vets, we are certainly seeing an increase in the number of over weight animals, and being obese is a well known risk factor for diabetes. Our pets are eating more carbohydrate in their diet than they did in the past. This, in combination with a more sedentary life-style, means that they are prone to weight gain and all the complications associated with it.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes is an endocrine disease commonly associated with overweight pets. The pancreas is the organ of the body which is affected. If your pet's pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or the body is resistant to the insulin which is produced, then your pet will show signs of diabetes.

What are the signs of diabetes?

Increased thirst; a cat or dog who is drinking excessively is always a cause for concern.

Increased urination; this may first be seen as a failure of house-training, since pets can no longer "hold on" for very long.

Weight loss, increased or decreased appetite.

Sweet chemical smell on the breath.

Other signs include collapse and weakness and will require urgent attention from your vet.

How do vets make the diagnosis?

Diabetes can be diagnosed by taking urine and blood samples to detect elevated levels of glucose. More than one sample is often necessary, since glucose levels can fluctuate with time of day, stress, feeding and exercise.

Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed if the concentration of glucose in the blood is consistently elevated.

What treatment can be given?

Diabetes can be successfully managed with insulin therapy and attention to diet and exercise. In cats, around 25% of cases are transient and resolve within 3 months. However, in these cases it is still necessary to pay attention to diet and exercise for the rest of the cat's life.

In all cases of diabetes, the aim of treatment is to manage the condition so that pets can benefit from a good quality of life. Daily or twice daily insulin injections are usually necessary, and owners can find the thought of this quite daunting. However, giving injections is not as difficult as you may think and your vet or vet nurse can teach you how to do this and provide all the advice and support you may need.

Complications of diabetes mellitus

If diabetes is not treated, or is not well controlled then complications such as cataracts may develop. Hind limb weakness is sometimes also seen in cats with this condition. The most serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes is ketoacidosis which requires urgent veterinary attention.