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November is Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month



               Diabetes mellitus is a common disease of middle aged and older pets.  Obesity can be a contributing factor.  The most common symptoms are excessive thirst and increased urination, though weight loss, vomiting and other problems can occur.

               What is diabetes?  Diabetes occurs when cells cannot utilize glucose, one of the main sources of fuel for the body.  In order for glucose to enter cells, insulin is necessary.  Insulin is produced by an organ called the pancreas. If the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or if the cells cannot recognize insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells and it remains circulating in the blood.  The kidneys cannot regulate the large amount of glucose so it spills into the urine and pulls extra water with it.  Increased fluid loss in the urine causes excessive thirst and urination. And, because the body can’t utilize glucose, it starts to break down fats which causes hunger and weight loss—essentially the body is starving even though an excess of glucose is available.  Pets are diagnosed by blood tests showing persistently elevated blood glucose levels, typically over 300mg/dL.

               Dogs typically have what is termed insulin dependent (Type I) diabetes. Their pancreas loses insulin producing cells and cannot make enough insulin. The only treatment is to start insulin injections. This sounds scary, but most dogs tolerate shots very well.

               Cats typically have non-insulin dependent (Type II) diabetes.  Their pancreas produces some insulin, but in insufficient amounts or their cells may be unable to recognize and use insulin.  Nearly all cats still require insulin injections, but, in some cases, the pancreas may start producing more insulin with treatment and cats may go into “remission” and no longer need insulin after a period of time.  Remission rates are reported to occur in anywhere from 17-67% of cats.  Some cats in remission can relapse and require insulin injections again.  In rare cases, treatment with an oral drug called glipizide may be attempted in cats, but it is not typically as effective as insulin injections.

               Several types of veterinary and human insulins are used to treat pets. The type used may depend on if the patient is a cat or dog, cost and the veterinarian’s personal experience. Some types work better in cats, some work better in dogs.

               Diet may also help with regulation. Dogs tend to regulate better on high fiber diets. Cats require high protein/low carbohydrate foods such as a good quality canned cat food.

               Diabetes is treatable if caught early, though long-term injections and frequent blood monitoring are required to keep pets healthy.  Some clients use home glucose monitoring devices to manage their pet’s diabetes. Usually, they will need to visit the veterinarian for a glucose curve, fructosamine level or similar monitoring two weeks after starting insulin therapy and every 2-4 weeks until regulated. Visits are less frequent once a dose of insulin is found that controls the pet’s diabetes.  If a patient is difficult to regulate, additional bloodwork or testing may be required to check for secondary diseases. Dogs sometimes have another condition called Cushing’s disease in conjunction with their diabetes. Cats may have a growth hormone problem known as acromegaly.  Unspayed females may also be difficult to regulate due to hormonal influences.

               Keeping pets at a normal body weight and having annual checkups and bloodwork, especially as pets get older can reduce the risk for diabetes or help catch it early. While most pets will require lifelong treatment, diabetics can live normal healthy lives.

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://www.dvm360.com/view/cvc-highlight-what-influences-diabetic-remission-cats

https://catvets.com/diabetes-toolkit/faqs

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951506

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