Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by insulin deficiency, resulting in the inability to move glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Tissues starve while blood sugar soars. It affects both dogs and cats, with different characteristics in each species.
Key Facts
- Dogs: virtually all are insulin-dependent (Type I-like); diabetes is usually permanent
- Cats: most have Type II-like diabetes; remission is possible if blood sugar is normalized quickly
- ~25% of diabetic cats have severe underlying causes (acromegaly, Cushing's) making them hard to regulate
- Main symptoms: excessive thirst, excessive urination, excessive appetite, weight loss
- Dogs develop diabetic cataracts rapidly (not seen in cats)
- Urinary tract infections are common due to glucose in urine
- Oral treatment options exist for some cats: bexagliflozin, velagliflozin, glipizide
- diabetic-ketoacidosis is the most serious complication; life-threatening emergency
- Dental health is important; dental tartar seeds bacteria that high blood sugar helps colonize
- Regulation requires balance of diet, exercise, and insulin-therapy
- Species: dogs and cats
Connections (25)
Related Conditions
Acromegaly is a major cause of insulin-resistant diabetes in cats
— major cause in dogs
80% of cats with Cushing's also have diabetes; Cushing's causes insulin resistance
Life-threatening complication of uncontrolled diabetes
The endocrine and exocrine parts of the pancreas are intermixed
— medical cause of house soiling
Common secondary finding in diabetic pets
Diabetes causes secondary high blood pressure
Alters glucose metabolism; resolving thyroid disease improves diabetic regulation
Most dangerous short-term risk from insulin overdose
Metabolic cause of hypothermia
Both involve pancreatic dysfunction but in opposite directions
— potential complication
Obesity induces insulin resistance, particularly in cats, raising diabetes risk.
Glucose in urine promotes bacterial growth
Symptoms
Treatments
Primary treatment for diabetes in both species
Risk increases 5x post-transplant
Cats: low-carb/high-protein (<7% ME carbs); Dogs: high-fiber/low-fat
Improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood glucose levels.
Diagnostics
Source Articles (13)
Backlinks (13)
Endocrine
- Hard to Regulate Diabetic Cats
- Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction
- Diabetic Cat Diet
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Dogs and Cats
- Insulin Administration in Cats
- Monitoring Glucose Regulation in Dogs and Cats
- Flash Glucose Monitoring with FreeStyle Libre in Cats and Dogs
- Home Testing of Blood Glucose for Diabetic Cats