Diabetes

Diabetes or diabetes mellitus occurs when the glucose level in the blood is and remains too high because the body does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Glucose is needed to fuel and function body cells. Glucose needs the help of insulin to get into the cell. Insulin is therefore the key to entering the cell. It can happen that the pancreas secretes too little insulin or that insulin resistance has developed in the body so that the glucose cannot get into the cell. As a result, the glucose remains in the bloodstream in large quantities and there is a lack of glucose in the cells. This creates a feeling of hunger in the dog.

There are three types of diabetes that can occur in dogs, namely type 1, type 3 and type 4. In type 1 diabetes, the dog's own body breaks down the insulin-producing cells. As a result, little or no insulin is produced. Type 1 diabetes is most common in dogs.

In type 3 diabetes, the body cells react less well to insulin or more sugar is produced in the body. As a result, the pancreas has to work harder to produce enough insulin, which can lower sugar levels again. However, after some time these cells become exhausted and insulin deficiency occurs. Long-term use of certain medications can cause this type of diabetes.

Type 4 diabetes is also known as gestational diabetes. This form is caused by the hormone progesterone, which is produced by the ovaries to maintain the animal's pregnancy. Progesterone is also produced when the animal is in heat and for the two months following the animal's heat. It can also prevent progesterone from being present in certain medications.

Type 2 diabetes does not occur in dogs.

What Are the Causes of Diabetes in Dogs?
Causes of diabetes in dogs include side effects from medications, overproduction of a growth hormone, and endocrine (hormonal) disorders.

Diabetes is partly hereditary. There are several genes that cause diabetes. These genes can make the animal more susceptible to diabetes. However, there are also some genes in the animal that ensure that the animal is protected against diabetes.

In addition, there are several other factors that can cause diabetes. An important cause, which unfortunately is becoming more and more common, is obesity or overweight in dogs. Being overweight makes the cells less sensitive to insulin.

As already mentioned, diabetes can be caused by hormonal processes. An example of this is type 4 diabetes, which is caused by the hormone progesterone. Disrupted hormonal processes can cause cells to become less sensitive to insulin.

Taking certain medications, especially when used over a long period of time, also carries the risk of developing diabetes. An example of this is taking corticosteroids, these drugs cause blood sugar levels to rise.

What are the symptoms and risks of diabetes?

Pee a lot and drink a lot
Very hungry due to a lack of glucose in the cells
Losing weight because the cells are not supplied with the right substances
In the later stage: general malaise, vomiting, loss of appetite and cataracts
Prone to cystitis

When should I go to the vet?
It's a good idea to see a vet immediately if a dog is showing symptoms of diabetes. The veterinarian can then make the correct diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment as quickly as possible. In addition, it is important to carry out regular check-ups after the diagnosis in order to change the insulin dose if necessary. If a diabetic dog is not treated (timely), it can develop hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Hypoglycemia

Too low glucose level in the blood
Cause: Diabetes / too late with insulin
Symptoms: Drowsiness, incoordination, coma, dehydration, abnormal reflexes, tremors, chills, depression, lethargy, seizures, difficulty breathing, cold ears, skin, extremities
Diagnosis is made by blood tests for glucose and insulin levels

Hyperglycemia

Too high glucose level in the blood
Cause: Insulin dose too high
Symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, shortening of the legs, general weakness or paralysis, pale mucous membranes
Diagnosis is based on several factors: enlarged kidneys, protein/sugar in urine, blood test for insulin levels

How is diabetes diagnosed?
A urinalysis and a blood test are often done. Urinalysis is necessary to determine if there is glucose in the dog's urine, as normal urine should not contain glucose. First, a blood test is done to determine the level of glucose in the blood. A high level of glucose in the blood indicates diabetes. After the disease has been diagnosed, it must be determined how much insulin the dog needs to keep the blood sugar level reasonably constant.

How is diabetes treated?
Treating diabetes in dogs often requires medication. Insulin must be given through injections given under the skin. The vet explains to the owner how to administer the insulin.

It is important to let the animal eat before administering the insulin. If the animal hasn't eaten, it hasn't taken in glucose and the insulin can't do its job properly. This can also cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.

You can give the animal diet food to support the treatment. This prevents the cells from becoming less sensitive to insulin. The food should be given twice a day before the insulin dose. Diet must be adjusted so that blood sugar levels do not shoot up immediately after eating. In addition, it is important that the dog's movement pattern does not vary too much and that stressful situations are avoided.

How Can Diabetes In Dogs Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, diabetes is not always preventable, as it depends in part on the dog's genetic makeup. However, there are a number of risk factors that can be mitigated. Type 4 diabetes in bitches can often be prevented by having the bitch spayed in good time.

In addition, it is generally important that you do not let the dog get too fat. This can be achieved by getting enough exercise. The exercise should be in proportion to the amount of food the animal is given. It is also important that the food is of good quality and that the portions are distributed throughout the day. You should pay attention to the ingredients included in the dog's diet. A high raw fiber content in the feed makes the animal feel full. The composition of the carbohydrates in the food is also an important point. This composition must be such that the sugar is slowly absorbed by the intestines. In addition, the protein content is important, as it ensures an even blood sugar level.

This text was translated by a translation machine