What is Canine Diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

Diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects the amount of glucose, or sugar, in your dog’s blood. Diabetes occurs when your dog’s body makes too little insulin, stops producing it completely, or has an abnormal response to insulin.

Insulin affects how your dog’s body uses food

When your dog eats, carbohydrates are converted into several types of simple sugars, including glucose. Over time, weight loss ensues, despite normal, or often ravenous appetite. The build up of glucose in the blood spills over into the urine which draws with it large volumes of water, resulting in increased thirst and urination. If there’s too little insulin available, glucose can’t enter cells, and instead builds up to a high concentration in the bloodstream. This is known as hyperglycaemia.

As a result, there is not enough energy for the cells to function normally and they become “starved.” Over time, weight loss ensues, despite normal, or often ravenous appetite. The build up of glucose in the blood spills over into the urine which draws with it large volumes of water, resulting in increased thirst and urination.

How Common is Pet Diabetes?

Canine diabetes is more common in middle-age and older dogs, but it is also seen in young dogs. While believed to be underdiagnosed, diabetes mellitus affects an estimated 1 in 300 dogs.1

The primary cause of canine diabetes is largely unknown, but experts suggest that genetics may play a role.

“My vet told me certain dog breeds are at greater
risk for diabetes!”
– SPIKE

Related Conditions

Dogs with diabetes can develop complications subsequent to becoming diabetic. Careful control of blood glucose concentrations may help minimize these complications.

Common complications of Canine Diabetes

Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye following prolonged high blood glucose concentrations, leading to blindness. Other complications include frequent infections and ketoacidosis (which causes decreased appetite, vomiting and lethargy).

These complications can be severe and impair how insulin works. If at any time you notice any changes in your dog’s clinical signs then contact your vet.

Which Dog Breeds Are at Risk?

Diabetes typically occurs when dogs are between 4 to 14 years of age. Unspayed female dogs are twice as likely as male dogs to get diabetes2.

Any dog could develop diabetes, but these breeds appear to be at greater risk for developing canine diabetes2:

Cocker Spaniels

Dachshunds

Doberman Pinschers

German Shepherds

Golden Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers

Pomeranians

Terriers

Toy Poodles

Miniature Schnauzers

Keeshond

Samoyeds


Next Article: Detection and Diagnosis >


Further Reading

1.Caninsulin Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

2.Guptill L., Glickman L., Glickman N., Time trends and risk factors for diabetes mellitus in dogs: Analysis of veterinary medical data base records (1970-1999). Vet J 2003; 165:240-247

Caninsulin® 40 IU/ml Suspension for Injection contains porcine insulin. POM-V.
Further information is available from the SPC, Datasheet or package leaflet.
Advice should be sought from the medicine prescriber.
Prescription decisions are for the person issuing the prescription alone.
Use Medicines Responsibly.