How to Manage Diabetes in Pets
Diabetes is a common and serious condition that affects many dogs and cats. It occurs when the body cannot use glucose (a type of sugar) normally, resulting in high blood sugar levels and various health problems. Diabetes can be challenging to manage, but with proper care and guidance from your veterinarian, your pet can live a long and happy life. Here are some tips on how to manage diabetes in pets, based on the 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats¹.
How to prevent and handle diabetic emergencies in pets
One of the most important aspects of managing diabetes in pets is to prevent and handle diabetic emergencies, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening complication of uncontrolled diabetes). Hypoglycemia can occur if your pet receives too much insulin, does not eat enough food, vomits or has diarrhea, or exercises more than usual. Signs of hypoglycemia include weakness, lethargy, trembling, seizures, or coma.
If you suspect your pet is hypoglycemic, you should immediately give him or her some honey or corn syrup by mouth, and contact your veterinarian. Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur if your pet's diabetes is poorly controlled, or if he or she has an infection, pancreatitis or another illness. Signs of diabetic ketoacidosis include vomiting, dehydration, weakness, breathing difficulties, or coma. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Best high-protein/low-carbohydrate canned diets for diabetic cats
Diet plays a crucial role in managing diabetes in pets, especially in cats. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet to maintain their health and metabolism. A canned diet is preferable to a dry diet, as it provides more moisture and less carbohydrates.
Some examples of commercial canned diets that are suitable for diabetic cats are Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM Dietetic Management Feline Formula², Hill's Prescription Diet m/d Glucose/Weight Management Feline³, and Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Glycobalance Feline. You should consult your veterinarian before changing your cat's diet, and follow his or her recommendations on the type, amount, and frequency of feeding.
How to store and administer insulin properly for your diabetic pet
Insulin is the mainstay of treatment for clinical diabetes in pets. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. Most diabetic pets need daily injections of insulin to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Insulin must be stored properly to preserve its activity and effectiveness. Insulin should be kept in the refrigerator, and never frozen or heated. Some insulin products require shaking before use, while others must not be shaken. You should follow the instructions on the label carefully, and check the expiration date before using insulin.
Insulin must be administered properly to ensure the correct dose and absorption. You should use the correct insulin syringe for your pet's insulin type and dose. You should inject insulin under the skin (subcutaneously) at the same time each day, preferably after feeding your pet. You should rotate the injection sites to avoid irritation or scar tissue formation. You should monitor your pet's response to insulin by checking his or her blood sugar levels at home or at the clinic.
What kind of treats are safe for diabetic dogs and cats
Treats are a great way to reward your pet for good behavior, but they can also affect your pet's blood sugar levels and diabetes management. You should avoid giving your pet treats that are high in sugar, fat, or calories, such as cookies, candies, cheese, or table scraps. Instead, you should choose treats that are low in carbohydrates and high in protein or fiber, such as lean meat, fish, eggs, green beans, or carrots. You should also limit the amount and frequency of treats you give your pet, and make sure they are consistent from day to day.
You should consult your veterinarian about what kind and how many treats are appropriate for your pet's insulin schedule.
How to monitor your pet's blood sugar levels at home
Monitoring your pet's blood sugar levels at home is an essential part of managing diabetes in pets. It can help you adjust your pet's insulin dose, detect any problems early, and avoid complications such as hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. There are different methods of monitoring your pet's blood sugar levels at home, such as using a glucometer (a device that measures blood glucose from a drop of blood), urine glucose test strips (which change color depending on the amount of glucose in the urine), or continuous glucose monitoring systems (which use a sensor inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels continuously).
You should discuss with your veterinarian which method is best for your pet, and how often and when to monitor your pet's blood sugar levels. You should also keep a record of your pet's blood sugar readings, insulin doses, food intake, activity level, and any signs of illness or stress.
How exercise can help manage your pet's diabetes
Exercise is beneficial for managing diabetes in pets, as it can help lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent obesity-related complications. Exercise can also improve your pet's mood, energy, and quality of life. You should consult your veterinarian about an appropriate exercise program for your pet, considering factors such as weight, overall health, age, and breed.
You should aim for a moderate and consistent level of exercise for your pet, such as walking, playing, or swimming. You should avoid sudden or intense exercise, as it can cause blood sugar fluctuations and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
You should also monitor your pet's blood sugar levels before and after exercise, and adjust the insulin dose or food intake accordingly.
How to avoid blood sugar fluctuations caused by other food sources
Other food sources can affect your pet's blood sugar levels and diabetes management. These include human food, prey, or other pets' food that your pet may have access to. These food sources can be high in carbohydrates, calories, or fat, which can cause blood sugar spikes or drops.
You should avoid giving your pet any food other than his or her prescribed diet and treats. You should also prevent your pet from scavenging or stealing food from other sources. You should keep human food out of reach of your pet, and store other pets' food in a secure place. You should also supervise your pet when he or she is outdoors, and prevent him or her from hunting or eating prey.
How to choose the right insulin syringe for your pet
Insulin syringes are designed to deliver a specific amount of insulin per unit (U). Different types of insulin have different concentrations (U/mL), which means they require different syringes to measure the correct dose. For example, U-40 insulin has 40 units per milliliter, while U-100 insulin has 100 units per milliliter. Using the wrong syringe can result in underdosing or overdosing your pet with insulin, which can have serious consequences. You should always use the right insulin syringe for your pet's insulin type and dose. You should check the label on the insulin bottle and the syringe to make sure they match. You should also follow the instructions on how to fill and use the syringe correctly.
How cataracts affect diabetic pets and what to do about them
Cataracts are a common complication of diabetes in pets. Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that impair vision. They occur when high blood sugar levels damage the lens fibers and cause them to clump together. Cataracts can develop rapidly or gradually in diabetic pets, and can affect one or both eyes. Cataracts can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, glare sensitivity, eye redness or inflammation, or eye discharge. Cataracts can also lead to blindness or secondary eye problems such as glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) or uveitis (inflammation of the eye). Cataracts can be diagnosed by a veterinarian through an eye exam. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery to remove the affected lens and replace it with an artificial one. However, not all diabetic pets are good candidates for cataract surgery, as they may have other health issues that increase the risk of complications. You should discuss with your veterinarian the pros and cons of cataract surgery for your pet, and weigh the benefits against the costs and risks.
How to achieve a net energy gain in your pet's diabetes management
A net energy gain is a state where your pet's energy intake (from food) is equal to or greater than his or her energy output (from metabolism and activity). A net energy gain is desirable for managing diabetes in pets, as it can help maintain a healthy weight, prevent muscle loss, and support normal body functions. A net energy gain can be achieved by providing your pet with adequate calories and nutrients from his or her prescribed diet and treats, while avoiding excess calories from other food sources. A net energy gain can also be achieved by ensuring your pet's insulin dose is appropriate for his or her blood sugar levels and activity level, while avoiding hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia that can affect his or her appetite and metabolism.
Managing diabetes in pets can be challenging but rewarding. By following these tips and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help your pet live a long and happy life with diabetes. Always ask your vet first about how best to care for your dog or cat.
¹2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/diabetes-management/diabetes-management-home/ ²Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM
Sources: (1) 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/diabetes-management/diabetes-management-home/.
(2) Diabetes in Pets | American Veterinary Medical Association https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/diabetes-pets.
(3) 8 things you need to know about AAHA’s Diabetes Management Guidelines .... https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/aaha-guidelines-for-pet-owners/diabetes-management2/.
