Diabetes Mellitus Results in Poor Canine Condition

By Hector Milla

Diabetes Mellitus occurs when the insensitivity and deficiency of the insulin hormones occurs. Islet cells found in the pancreas produces the insulin which is responsible for controlling the concentrations of the blood in glucose acting as the main fuel of the body.

Insulin works in normal animals like dogs by preventing the production of glucose through its liver to ensure that excess glucose are derived from the food which are not needed for the production of energy and are stored in the body.

Dogs which are diabetic have insufficient insulin supply where in the glucose production is switched off by the liver making it unable to store excess glucose efficiently from energy foods. There is a rise in the level of concentration in the blood glucose exceeding the levels beyond the kidneys allowable glucose for urine production.

If there is a glucose loss in urine, osmosis takes place where in it takes the body's water causing larger volumes of produced urine than normal amount. The water which is excessively lost along with the urine is compensated by increased consumption in water due to thirstiness.

The major clinical signs of diabetes mellitus in animals including dogs are excessive urination or polyuria, and excessive water consumption or polydipsia. Weight lose is also apparent because of breakdown in the storage of protein and fat which produces the glucose and alternative fuel (ketones) in the liver. Other signs include increased appetite (polyphagia), cataracts, recurrent infections and exercise intolerance. If there is an excessive production of ketones in the liver, ketoacidosis occurs making the animal very sick.

The therapy includes insulin injection or insulin tablet intake and stabilization where animals insulin dose are tailored according to their individual needs.

To sum up, as you can see dogs suffer from diabetes similar to us and they require similar treatments, just make sure you that you ask for advise with a specialized physician.

Hector Milla runs 2 websites, the Free Diabetes Testing Supplies website and the High Blood Sugar site, where you can find info on how to get free diabetes supplies and how to lower naturally your blood sugar levels respectively. Visit for further information.