Diabetes in dogs

It is estimated that approximately 1 in 500 dogs develops diabetes. So you're not alone if you have a diabetic dog.

Glucose metabolism in non-diabetic dogs

Food is broken down into components that can be used by the body. Conversion of carbohydrates (starches) produces sugars, including glucose. Once absorbed from the intestines, glucose goes into the blood and provides energy to the cells of the body .

The intake of glucose into most cells is dependent upon the presence of the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by specific cells in the pancreas, a special gland situated near the intestines, .

Diabetes mellitus - What is it?

A lack of available insulin causes diabetes mellitus or “sugar diabetes” .

Causes of diabetes in dogs:

• In some diabetic dogs the pancreas producing insufficient insulin
• Failure of the body cells to respond to insulin

Results of diabetes in dogs:

• An inability of the cells to absorb enough glucose
• Overly high glucose levels in the blood

Diabetes mellitus - are all dogs susceptible to it?

Middle aged to older dogs are the more prone to developing diabetes. The most commonly affected being un-spayed bitches .

An increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus can appear in the following dog breeds: