💉 Vet 2025 Guide: Diabetes Mellitus in Pets – Causes, Symptoms & Insulin Care Explained 🐶🐱

Diabetes mellitus is a common but manageable condition in both dogs and cats. In this detailed Vet 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston breaks down the basics of this hormone-related disease, including its symptoms, treatments, insulin options, and tips for monitoring at home. 🩺

🧬 What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin—the hormone that helps cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream. Without insulin, glucose remains in the blood and cannot nourish the body’s tissues. This causes:

• 📈 High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• 💧 Excessive urination and thirst
• 🍽️ Constant hunger with unexplained weight loss
• 💤 Lethargy or infections

🐾 Main Symptoms to Watch For

• 💧 Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
• 🚽 Frequent urination (polyuria)
• 🍽️ Excessive appetite (polyphagia)
• ⚖️ Weight loss despite eating well

These symptoms indicate that your pet’s body is unable to use glucose effectively, resulting in starvation at a cellular level. 🧬

🐶 Diabetes in Dogs

• 🩸 Almost all dogs have insulin-dependent diabetes
• 💉 Daily insulin injections are required for life
• 👁️ Diabetic cataracts are common

🐱 Diabetes in Cats

• 🔄 Some cats have non-insulin-dependent diabetes early on
• 💉 Many cats still require insulin, at least initially
• ⏳ Remission is possible with early treatment and diet changes

💉 Insulin Therapy

Giving insulin is the cornerstone of treatment. Insulin must be given by injection once or twice daily, typically after meals. 🕒

Injection Options:

• 🧪 Traditional syringe & vial
• 🖊️ Insulin pens (easier, but needles must be long enough for pet skin)

Different insulin types exist (U-40 or U-100). It's critical that the syringe matches the insulin concentration. Always double-check your supplies. ✅

Starting Insulin:

• 🐾 The first dose is based on averages and adjusted over time
• 📉 Too much insulin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)—a medical emergency

🏠 Home Monitoring

🎯 Why monitor at home?

• 🩺 More accurate than stress-affected clinic values
• 💵 Saves money
• 📲 Real-time insights on glucose levels

📊 Tools:

• 📈 Glucometers (e.g., AlphaTrak for pets)
• 📱 Continuous monitors like FreeStyle Libre

💡 Tip: Log meals, insulin doses, and glucose values. Many pet apps help with tracking.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding Tips

For Dogs:

• 🥗 High-fiber, low-fat diets recommended
• 🕒 Two meals a day with insulin after feeding

For Cats:

• 🍖 High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets preferred
• 🧆 Free-feeding or multiple small meals are ideal

⚠️ Avoid sugary treats and moist diets with added sugar preservatives.

💊 Oral Medications for Cats

• Bexagliflozin: Increases glucose excretion via kidneys
• Velagliflozin: Similar to bexagliflozin but in liquid form
• Glipizide: Stimulates insulin production (only works in some cats)

Oral drugs are for specific cats where insulin injections are not feasible. Regular monitoring is still required. ⚠️

⚠️ Recognizing Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar is an emergency! Watch for:

• 😴 Lethargy or weakness
• 🐾 Wobbling or drunken appearance
• 💫 Seizures or collapse

What To Do:

• 🍯 Rub Karo syrup or honey on gums (1 Tbsp per 5 lbs)
• 📞 Call your vet immediately if symptoms persist

🔁 Pets That Are Hard to Regulate

• 🚫 Incorrect insulin administration or expired insulin
• ⏱️ Insulin wears off too quickly
• 💊 Drugs like prednisone interfere with glucose control
• 🐶 Female pets should be spayed (progesterone interferes with insulin)

🦷 Regular Dental Care

Annual dental cleanings are vital. Bacteria from tartar can worsen infections, especially with elevated glucose levels. 🪥

📱 Stay Connected With Your Vet

Call your vet if your pet:

• 🐾 Seems sick or lethargic
• 🍽️ Loses appetite or eats excessively
• 💧 Drinks and urinates more
• ⚖️ Gains or loses weight unexpectedly

🧠 In Summary

• 💉 Diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin—most pets need insulin shots
• 🍴 Diet, insulin, and exercise must be balanced
• 📊 Home glucose monitoring is recommended
• 🚨 Hypoglycemia is an emergency—be prepared
• 🔄 Regulation takes time and regular follow-up with your vet

📱 Need Help Managing Pet Diabetes?

Need support with home testing, insulin injections, or choosing a food? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to connect with trusted professionals like Dr Duncan Houston. 💙

With the right tools and support, your pet can live a long, happy life with diabetes. 🐾