General Pet Guides

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which a deficiency of the hormone insulin impairs the body’s ability to use glucose (sugar) needed to supply the energy to the cells. Signs include, but are not limited to:

 

 

In diagnosing diabetes, your veterinarian may perform some or all of the following:

 

 

Treatment can vary from patient to patient, but typically your pet will be placed on once or twice daily insulin injections. Learning to give insulin injections may seem daunting, but with a lesson from your veterinarian and a little practice, it is very easy to do. Early in the course of insulin administration, your veterinarian will need to check glucose (blood sugar) levels often. Many times these are glucose curves that require a day of hospitalization to obtain blood levels throughout the day. Adjustments to the insulin dosage and frequency of administration can be made based on these levels. It can be frustrating early on getting the correct insulin dose determined, but please be sure to discuss any concerns you have with your veterinarian.

 

Along with insulin administration, animals with diabetes require weight management and proper diet to optimally control their disease. Animals may require lower insulin dosages if they are on foods that allow for better release of nutrients into their intestines. It helps to keep their glucose levels more balanced throughout the day. Your veterinarian will help you choose a proper diet for your pet.