Knowing that your pet has diabetes can be a shock, as sadly, about 20% of diabetic cats and dogs are euthanised within a year of diagnosis

Queensland: Diabetes in cats and dogs is less common in humans. It affects about 1.5% dogs and 0.5–1% cats. Knowing that your pet has diabetes can be a shock, as sadly, about 20% of diabetic cats and dogs are euthanized within a year of diagnosis due to the impacts on the pets’ health and their owners’ lifestyle and finances.

However, the disease can be managed. And for cats, but not dogs, effective early treatment even gives them a good chance of remission.

What is diabetes?

Glucose is the body’s primary energy source. Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, regulates levels of this blood-borne sugar, its uptake into cells, and storage in the liver and muscles.

In animals with diabetes, the body does not secrete enough insulin. The result is high glucose levels (hyperglycemia) and associated clinical signs. Some breeds and unspayed female dogs are more at risk, as are middle-aged, older, and obese animals.

Type 1 diabetes is common in dogs but rare in cats, while Type 2 diabetes accounts for most cases in cats. Some diabetes types are caused by other medical conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, which is common in diabetic dogs, or acromegaly in cats. Diabetes can occur in older female dogs after they have been in heat.

Signs to look for

Signs of diabetes usually emerge slowly over weeks to months. If diagnosis is delayed, the pet’s health can decline rapidly over 24–48 hours, leading to death if not immediately treated. Signs to look out for include increased thirst and urination, appetite, and weight loss. However, some dogs and up to 50% of cats with diabetes have a reduced appetite.

Diabetic cats’ posture may change to a flat-footed stance and lose their jumping ability. Diabetic dogs are prone to cataracts.

Treatment options

Tailored monitoring and treatment can improve quality of life and reduce euthanasia rates if diabetes is diagnosed early. Dietary changes are essential. Dogs rarely achieve remission because the destruction of insulin-producing cells in type 1 diabetes is irreversible. So, its a lifelong condition for them.

However, diabetes in dogs and cats is manageable with the right vet care, owner commitment, and diet and body weight adjustments.