Diabetes is a condition many of us associate with humans, but it’s common in pets, too. Seen especially in older dogs and cats, diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it properly. Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Without sufficient insulin, glucose levels rise, causing a range of health issues. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to kidney disease, cataracts, and nerve damage.
November is National Pet Diabetes Month, so we focused this blog on what diabetes looks like in pets, how pets are diagnosed, and how, with guidance from a veterinarian or veterinary internist, pet parents can help manage symptoms at home.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Diabetes
Also referred to as diabetes mellitus, this condition presents various symptoms. Observing any of these red flags is a sign to have your pet evaluated by your primary care veterinarian or by our internal medicine team, led by medical director Bryan Harnett, DVM, DACVIM, a board-certified veterinary internist, for a proper diagnosis.
- Increased Thirst and Urination: Pets with diabetes drink more water than usual and need to urinate more frequently.
- Lethargy: Even with sufficient rest, diabetes can cause pets to feel more tired than normal.
- Weight Loss: Despite a strong or increased appetite, diabetes can cause pets to lose weight since their body isn’t processing glucose effectively.
- Vision Issues: Diabetes can lead to cataracts in dogs, causing cloudy eyes and vision impairment.
An Accurate Diagnosis
To properly diagnose diabetes, a veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination, which includes a physical exam, a blood glucose test, a urinalysis, and a serum fructosamine test. A serum fructosamine test provides a more comprehensive picture of glucose levels over a period of time (usually 1-2 weeks), helping confirm a diabetes diagnosis.
In some cases, your veterinarian will also perform other diagnostic tests to rule out conditions that mimic diabetes symptoms, such as Cushing’s disease or hyperthyroidism.
Managing Diabetes
Though a confirmed diabetes diagnosis can be overwhelming, effective treatment, management, and consistency can make all the difference. Your veterinarian will provide you with a personalized ‘At Home’ plan to adhere to, but here are a few tips on handling diabetes day-to-day:
- Insulin Therapy: Routine insulin injection to regulate blood sugar levels may be necessary. While this may sound daunting, your veterinarian will guide you.
- Home Glucose Monitoring: You may need to monitor your pet’s blood sugar at home. Monitoring helps you detect any unusual spikes or drops in glucose.
- Dietary Management: A healthy diet plays a major role in managing this condition. In dogs, a high-fiber, low-fat diet can slow glucose absorption and stabilize blood sugar levels. While for cats, a high-protein, low-carb diet is often recommended to help manage blood glucose more effectively.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity is beneficial for managing weight and glucose levels. Exercise routines should be balanced and consistent to avoid sudden drops in blood sugar.
In addition to these tips, maintaining hydration, attending routine vet visits, and managing your pet’s stress levels are all ways to keep your diabetic pets comfortable.
BEVS Can Help
At BEVS, our Internal Medicine team can provide today’s most advanced diagnostic testing and treatment for diabetes. To schedule a consultation with a BEVS veterinary internist, simply call us at 802-863-2387.