Diabetes in pets can be a challenging diagnosis for pet owners to receive. It can be a shock to learn that your beloved furry friend has diabetes, as it can impact their health, lifestyle, and finances. Unfortunately, about 20 percent of diabetic cats and dogs are euthanized within a year of diagnosis due to these challenges.

However, the good news is that diabetes in pets can be managed effectively. In fact, for cats, there is a good chance of remission with early treatment. While diabetes is fairly common in cats and dogs, affecting about 1.5 percent of dogs and 0.5–1 percent of cats, it is not as prevalent as in humans.

So, what exactly is diabetes in pets? It is a condition where the body does not secrete enough insulin, leading to high glucose levels (hyperglycemia) and associated clinical signs. Some breeds and unspayed female dogs are more at risk, as well as middle-aged, older, and obese animals.

There are four main types of diabetes in pets:

1. Type 1 diabetes: This form results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells, commonly seen in dogs but rare in cats.
2. Type 2 diabetes: Characterized by insulin resistance and dysfunction in insulin-producing cells, more common in cats than dogs.
3. Other specific types: Caused by other medical conditions such as chronic pancreatitis or acromegaly in cats.
4. Dioestrus and gestational diabetes: Occurs in older female dogs after being in heat or during pregnancy.

The warning signs of diabetes in pets include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, weight loss, reduced appetite in some cases, changes in posture, and cataracts in dogs. Diagnosis involves measuring blood glucose levels and glucose in the urine. Early diagnosis in cats can be challenging due to stress increasing glucose levels.

Treatment options for diabetic pets include insulin therapy, dietary changes, weight management, and monitoring blood glucose levels. Cats may achieve remission with early intervention and long-acting insulin, while dogs rarely achieve remission due to irreversible insulin cell destruction in type 1 diabetes.

With diligent care, including monitoring, insulin therapy, diet adjustments, and weight management, diabetic pets can live healthy and fulfilling lives. Advances in home glucose monitoring have made it easier for vets and pet owners to track and manage blood glucose levels. By raising awareness of early symptoms and seeking early vet care, pet owners can help their diabetic pets lead a good life.

This article was written by Jacquie Rand, Emeritus Professor of Companion Animal Health at The University of Queensland. It is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.