{"id":262,"date":"2016-09-12T22:33:58","date_gmt":"2016-09-13T04:33:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/?p=262"},"modified":"2022-03-29T14:12:56","modified_gmt":"2022-03-29T20:12:56","slug":"diabetes-in-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/diabetes-in-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"Oh Sugar, Sugar: Diabetes in Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PugDiabetes is one of the leading causes of death among people in the United States, and our pets aren\u2019t far behind in falling victim to this disease. Studies show that diabetes now affects a whopping 1 in 50 dogs and cats, and doesn\u2019t show any signs of slowing down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because diabetes in pets is more common than most people realize, combating this disease requires education and diligence on the part of responsible pet owners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diabetes 101<\/b><\/h3>\n

Diabetes mellitus, the most common form of the condition in pets, is a disease of the pancreas. In a healthy animal, the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that allows the body to utilize sugar and energy, and regulate the blood sugar levels. In a diabetic pet, the pancreas either cannot produce enough insulin to process the sugar or the pet\u2019s body cannot effectively use the insulin, leading to insulin resistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

When a pet cannot produce or utilize insulin, its blood sugar levels become elevated, causing a condition called hyperglycemia. \u00a0Serious and complicated health problems will result and, if \u00a0left untreated, the pet will become very ill and die.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does My Pet Have Diabetes?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Diabetes in pets can manifest in subtle ways, and many of the symptoms are similar to those experienced by human diabetes sufferers. Signs that your pet may have diabetes include:<\/span><\/p>\n