Diabetes mellitus is a a disease in which an animal's body doesn't produce insulin or doesn't respond to insulin properly. Insulin is the hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood stream. This means that the cells can't absorb glucose. The glucose in the bloodstream gets too high. Glucose is one of the body's fuels. When the cells can't absorb glucose the body begins to break down stored fat and protein to use as energy. These factors can lead to serious, even fatal consequences.

Diabetes can affect any cat or dog. Cells in the pancreas produce insulin. When they are damaged this can lead to diabetes. Cells can also become resistant to insulin. The exact cause of diabetes is not known but there are several factors that can contribute to the development of the disease. Obesity, chronic pancreatitis, hormonal diseases (such as hyperthyroidism or Cushing's disease) and certain medications such as corticosteroids.

Initial signs of diabetes include excessive urination, excessive drinking, huge appetite and weight loss. The excess glucose in the blood causes it to 'spill' into the urine. This requires more fluid to excrete it from the body so the animal urinates more volume and more frequently. The loss of fluid through the urine causes the animal to be thirsty, hence excessive drinking. As the body can't get its energy from the glucose it begins to use its fat and protein stores. This causes weight loss and the animal to become ravenous as it trys to replace its lost stores.

Other more advanced symptoms can include cataracts, exercise intolerance, recurrent infections, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, dehydration, breathing abnormalities, unhealthy skin and coat, liver disease and neuropathy. There are many symptoms for diabetes. Only an exam in combination with a full history and lab findings can definitively diagnose diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is an incurable but most definitely manageable disease and pets can live out very long, happy lives.

After the initial diagnosis many things must happen. Though each animal's treatments are going to be completely unique to them there are commonalities. There will be initial discussions with the doctor about treatments, medications, monitoring and feeding. This can be overwhelming. The important part is that whenever you have a question, need a clarification or a little support we are happy to provide that to you. It is critical to become an informed owner about diabetes. We will assist you by directing you to the resources for accurate, up to date and helpful information.

Insulin injections are the starting point for diabetes treatment. This is often intimidating for owners but it is necessary and usually not as difficult as owners believe. There will also be a need to do regular 'glucose curves' until we have found an effective dose for your animal. A glucose curve requires the pet to be in the hospital. We take several tiny blood samples at regular intervals throughout the day to see what the glucose level is and what the effect of the insulin is. This helps us to determine the proper dosing for each animal. There is no "one size fits all" in diabetes. Insulin dosing must be tailored to meet the needs of animal.

Low carb diets are important for cats while diets that encourage weight loss are often most important in dogs. Excellent sources for information on feline food carb counts are Janet & Binky's canned food and dry food lists. Our veterinarians will be happy to teach you how to interpret this information to help you pick the best diet for your cat. We also recommend Purina DM as a quality food choice. Because dogs often need to loose weight popular picks are Purina OM or DCO or Hill's r/d or w/d. Again with the help of our doctors you can make the best choice for your pet.

Consistency is the key with any diabetic. Consistent dosing of insulin, meal times, water consumption and a low stress environment all contribute to the long term health of your pet. Once the consistency of routine is determined your senses and instincts will help you. Is your cat or dog acting differently, are they eating OK, is their weight OK, do they just seem off? These and other signs may indicate your guy or gal needs a visit to the vet.

Diabetics require monitoring of their glucose levels over the long term. After stabilizing their insulin dose pets should have regular blood work to check their glucose levels. Often a glucose level or a serum fructosamine level (another measure of the blood's glucose) is all that is needed every few months. At home you can monitor their glucose levels using urine strips. These are less accurate than a glucometer but can be effective in catching major changes that might indicate its time to adjust insulin. The ideal, but admittedly harder, choice is to use a glucometer at home. This is a small hand held device that is uses a very tiny blood sample to check animals glucose level at any given time. Usually owner discomfort comes from having to get a sample by pricking the pet.

One of the biggest complications for diabetics being treated with insulin is hypoglycemia. This is a condition where the blood sugar swings too low. It is usually caused by an overdose of insulin, higher than normal exercise or if a pet doesn't eat its regular meal. The first signs are usually hunger, lethargy and sleepiness. If untreated it can lead to seizures, coma and even death. As the early signs arise offer your pet its normal food. If they are unable to eat rub some corn syrup on their gums and seek immediate veterinary care. If your pet starts to seize do not try to put food, fingers or fluids in its mouth. Please bring your pet to the clinic immediately.

Diabetes Mellitus is incurable, but it is survivable. With devoted care, vigilant monitoring and love animals can survive and thrive very happily as diabetics. Pets do not have many of the same complications that humans with diabetes develop such as kidney, blood vessel or coronary artery disease. Keeping weight under control, feeding the foods and monitoring pets closely can lead to many healthy years. It is not an easy thing to do but it is most often managable.

For more information visit www.felinediabetes.com or www.caninediabetes.org or call us with any questions.