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. Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the blood, where it travels to cells throughout the body. Insulin is required for the transfer of glucose from the blood into the cells so that it can be used for energy. If there is too little insulin available, or the body cannot respond correctly, then glucose cannot enter the cells and instead builds up to a high concentration in the bloodstream. This is known as hyperglycaemia.

As glucose is unable to enter the cells, the cells do not have enough energy 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.

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:

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Further Reading