Diabetes mellitus is a common disorder of both cats and dogs. While the exact sequence of events leading to development of diabetes may be somewhat different, the signs of the disease and its treatment remain very similar for both species.

Diabetes mellitus, or sugar diabetes, is a hormone disorder which causes a persistent elevation of blood and urine sugar called glucose. Persistent glucose elevations induce the signs of the disorder, which are excess thirst and increased urination. Insulin therapy remains the most common and effective treatment for cats and dogs with diabetes mellitus. Insulin is a hormone normally produced by the body and released into the bloodstream to prevent elevations of blood and urine sugar. Insulin therapy involves the pet owner injecting the hormone under the skin with a needle and syringe once or twice daily. There is no form of insulin available that can be given by mouth or added to the pets food.

Important facts regarding diabetes mellitus in pets:

1. With few exceptions, diabetes mellitus is a permanent disorder which requires treatment for the rest of your pet's life.

2. With proper treatment, diabetes can be effectively controlled over the normal lifespan of your pet. In addition to insulin therapy, effective treatment may include strict diet and exercise regimens, use of fiber-rich special diets, administration of oral hypoglycemic drugs and frequent followups with your veterinarian.

3. Left untreated, diabetes mellitus can be fatal in pets. Additionally, diabetes can cause cataracts, severe metabolic toxicity (ketoacidosis), nerve and muscle weakness, rapid weight loss, increased susceptibility to infection, and damage to the kidneys, eyes, and brain.

A close cooperative effort with your veterinarian is critical to successful regulation of your pet's diabetes. The number of and length of visits to your veterinarian's hospital and the annual costs of your pet's health bills will increase. What your pet gains from this cooperative effort is good health with a minimally restrictive lifestyle and a normal lifespan. Treatment of a pet with diabetes is not easy and certainly not practical for every pet owner. However, the treatment is very rewarding and worthwhile if the time and effort required can be provided.

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