Diabetes in Dogs & Cats

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body cannot control the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, moves sugar from the blood into the body's cells for energy. In diabetes, the pancreas makes too little insulin, or the body does not respond to it properly. Sugar then builds up in the blood and spills into the urine, pulling water with it.

Most diabetic dogs make too little insulin. In cats, diabetes is often linked to being overweight, and the body responds poorly to insulin. Diabetes is more common in middle-aged and older pets. If it is not controlled, the body may burn fat for energy and make ketones. Too many ketones cause diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious emergency.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Drinking much more water and passing more urine
• Eating well but losing weight
• Low energy
• Cloudy eyes or poor sight in dogs
• Weak back legs in cats
• Repeated infections, such as urine infections

Vomiting, refusing food, weakness and sweet-smelling breath can mean ketoacidosis.

Which lab tests help

A Glucose Random (RBS) or Glucose Fasting (FBS) measures blood sugar at one moment. Your vet will tell you whether your pet needs to fast first. Do not stop food or change anything your vet has started unless your vet tells you to.

One high reading is not always diabetes. In cats especially, the stress of a visit can push sugar up for a short time. Fructosamine reflects the average sugar level over the past few weeks, so it helps tell true diabetes from stress. HbA1c is another long-term marker, and your vet decides which one suits your pet.

A Urine Routine checks for sugar and ketones in the urine, and for signs of infection, which is common in diabetic pets. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) - Blood Ketones (BHB) measures the main ketone in the blood and helps your vet check for ketoacidosis.

Your vet may also check the kidneys, liver and blood count, for example with the Vital Panel. The Diabetic Safety Panel groups glucose readings with HbA1c. After diagnosis, your vet may repeat glucose and fructosamine tests to check control.

A registered veterinarian reads every result with your pet's signs and history in mind.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if your pet drinks and urinates much more than usual or loses weight. A diabetic pet that vomits, stops eating, becomes very weak or collapses needs a vet the same day. So does a diabetic pet that shakes, wobbles or has a fit, which can be a sign of low blood sugar.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, and provides free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. From other districts, samples can be sent by courier, by bus parcel or through your local vet; call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 to plan it. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports arrive on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.