Diabetes is a common disease in dogs in Australia. Diabetes is caused by the failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar. This is insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (also called Type 1 Diabetes). Symptoms of diabetes in dogs include weight loss, increased thirst and low energy.
When making a diabetes diagnosis, veterinarians will undertake blood tests looking for factors such as persistent fasting hyperglycemia and glycosuria . Hyperglycemia is a medical term for a high blood sugar (glucose) level. Glycosuria is the excretion of glucose into the urine.
After diagnosis, veterinarians will determine the insulin dose based on your dog’s weight. In Australia Caninsulin is the most commonly used types of insulin in diabetic dogs. Oral medications are not considered effective in dogs and are not used in the treatment of canine diabetes. Proper management can reduce or eliminate signs of diabetes, such as excessive thirst and urination.
Complementary treatments that a dog owner can do include feeding a high-fibre diet, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. Exercise can also help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Always consult with your veterinarian before using complementary treatments.
