Managing Canine and Feline Diabetes Mellitus

Treatment of diabetes mellitus is likely to succeed only if the pet owner understands all aspects of its management.

Investment of sufficient time in a careful explanation of all of the aspects of the therapy is strongly recommended. Insulin therapy forms one of the cornerstones of the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Management of other factors such as diet and lifestyle (including exercise) also influences glycaemic control.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus can be divided into:

1. Stabilisation– the correct insulin dose is determined and a suitable daily routine for pet and owner is established.
2. Maintenance–The pet is monitored regularly to follow the evolution of its diabetes and thus determine changes in insulin requirements.

The goal of treatment of diabetes mellitus is to minimise:

• the clinical signs of diabetes
• the risk of hypoglycaemia
• the development of long term complications

For species specific information see:

• Managing diabetes in dogs
• Managing diabetes in cats