Diabetes is a disease in which too little insulin is produced and/or in which insulin has too little effect on the body. This results in a glucose (sugar) deficiency in the cells, causing the cells to lack their main fuel and leaving glucose behind in the blood. The liver responds to the lack of insulin by producing glucose, which greatly increases the amount of glucose in the blood. This is what we call diabetes, or sugar disease.
How to recognize that my dog has diabetes?
The symptoms of diabetes in dogs are the same as those in humans and cats: urinating a lot, drinking a lot, and losing weight despite eating enough food. The symptoms are different for each type of diabetes. Accordingly, it is important to distinguish between the different types.
Different forms of diabetes in dogs
Dogs can develop types 1, 3, and 4.
Type 1: In type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing cells are destroyed as a result of a disorder of the immune system. More than half of the dogs with diabetes suffer from this type. At
Cats this type of diabetes rarely occurs. Treatment is possible, but the disease will accompany the dog throughout his life.
Type 3: This form of diabetes results from medications or another disorder in the body. It is not possible to cure dogs with this type of diabetes, but it is possible to cure cats.
Type 4: Since the fourth type is called "gestational diabetes" in humans but does not occur in dogs and cats, this type is called "type 4" in veterinary medicine. It only occurs in dogs. Is triggered by the hormonal cycle. A cure is only possible through surgical removal of the ovaries.
Preventing diabetes in dogs
Since diabetes type 2 (diabetes caused by too little exercise and being overweight) does not occur in dogs, it is more difficult to prevent diabetes from occurring. Type 1 as well as type 3 and 4 are caused by a disorder or a disease in the body, which cannot be influenced by the owner. Type 4 can be prevented by castration. The other forms of diabetes cannot be prevented with additional measures. However, a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet characterized by regularity are recommended, if necessary. With special food for dogs with diabetes.
Contact a veterinarian
Recognize many symptoms of diabetes and doubt if your dog is diabetic? Then consult a veterinarian in any case. He/she can investigate whether your dog is diabetic, what type of diabetes he/she has, and determine what treatment, if any, is needed.