Diabetes

Similar to humans, our pets can have diabetes. There are two types of diabetes; Type 1 and Type 2 but there is a common confusion between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Just to get it straight before the topic I will explain the differences. Type 1 diabetes is often gotten genetically and often shows up earlier in life. Type 2 diabetes is mostly related to your lifestyle, and unlike Type 1 diabetes this kind develops over time. Please note that dogs most often have Type 1 and rarely have Type 2.

Let me first go over some terminology that is significant in this blog.

• • Polyuria – Increased urination

• • Polyphagia – Increased hunger

• • Polydipsia – Increased thirst

• • Hyperglycemia  – Increased blood levels of glucose

• • Lethargy – Less activity due to lameness (Fatigued)

• • Cataracts – increased opacity in the lens of the eye 

These terminology above are not only important terms, they are the symptoms that may indicate that your pet may have diabetes.

In dogs the most common breeds to get diabetes include Miniature Poodles, Pinschers, Dachshunds, Schnauzers, Fox Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Beagles, Keeshonds, Australian Terriers, and Siberian Huskies.

In dogs and cats, there are two types of diabetes. One that is caused by the lack of insulin production and one that is caused because the insulin is not working effectively. 

Diabetes is most often found in dogs and cats, most likely mid age. In dogs, females are most likely to get diabetes while cats are the opposite. Dogs mainly develop diabetes type 1. Meaning their pancreas does not provide enough insulin. While cats mainly develop diabetes type 2.

Glucose is a basic energy source for cells. It is also the basic fuel made when food is broken down. Insulin is a circulating hormone made in the pancreas.

After a meal, the food is broken down into three different substances, fat, protein, and sugar.  So when the substances enter the bloodstream it causes the glucose level to rise which the pancreas responds to by releasing more insulin into the bloodstream. Again, please note that the insulin produced is directly related to the amount of glucose in the blood. High levels of blood sugar can be toxic to many organs. And when the sugar is unusable the body breaks the down fat stores to survive. But since sugar is more efficient than fat as fuel, the fat can cause the blood to become too acidic which can lead to illnesses.

 Glucose, the cell’s fuel, can not enter the cells without insulin. The glucose must also be recognized by the cells.

There is no known cure, but can be kept from getting worse. Possibly even help it become better!

Check out this video by Dr. Karen Becker for more detail infos!

Pet Diabetes Symptoms (Part 1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mdeg_M1mn4

Pet Diabetes Symptoms (Part 2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWOP5Jj8wB8

Last but not least, contact me if you have any questions or suggestions! Thank you for reading this far!