Canine diabetes mellitus (DM) is a relatively common disorder that occurs almost exclusively in the insulin dependent form (IDDM). The disease is a result of insufficient insulin production from the pancreas. Beta islet cells in the pancreas which are responsible for the production of insulin are destroyed over time. There are probably many reasons for beta islet cell destruction and subsequent hypoinsulinemia (low blood insulin). Known causes include diseases stressing the pancreas: pancreatitis, Cushing¹s, acromegaly and progesterone drugs. Clearly some individuals are genetically predisposed to the disease but there is no breed predilection. It is also believed that infection and chronic small bowel inflammation may induce DM. The disease is a result of an increase in blood glucose that would normally be distributed to the various tissues for energy in cell metabolism. Insulin is not available to force glucose from the blood into the tissues. As glucose levels increase, blood starved cells turn to other chemicals for energy. Additionally, because glucose remains high in the blood the appetite center in the brain remains unsatisfied and continues to drive the hunger response and the incorrectly perceived need for more glucose. Fat and muscle are broken down in an attempt to satisfy this false need for more glucose. These metabolic events lead to a history of a very hungry animal that eventually starts to loose weight. Increase blood glucose will also result in overwhelming the kidneys ability to conserve glucose allowing glucose to spill into the urine. As glucose exceeds the kidney threshold (glucosuria)increase urination follows. Many dogs are presented with a history of increased eating (polyphagia), urinating (polyuria) and drinking (polydypsia). A common sequelae to DM in the dog is the sudden development of cataracts and blindness. DM allowed to proceed unchecked will result in dangerous changes in blood pH and chemistries (diabetic ketoacidosis). The final outcome leads to vomiting, weakness, depression, coma and death. Most dogs are presented long before these changes occur because owners are disturbed the tremendous increase in urinating and drinking.
For home treatment feed a high fiber home-prepared diet fed in smaller meals (3-4 per day), regular mild exercise at the same time each day is very important.
 

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