{"id":969,"date":"2020-11-27T17:25:24","date_gmt":"2020-11-27T17:25:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sbahvet.com\/?p=969"},"modified":"2020-11-27T17:25:24","modified_gmt":"2020-11-27T17:25:24","slug":"the-highs-and-lows-of-diabetes-in-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/the-highs-and-lows-of-diabetes-in-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"The Highs and Lows of Diabetes in Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Diabetes is a condition that plagues millions of Americans, and chances are that you have encountered it in some form or another in your life. Many of our clients at <\/span>Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital<\/span><\/a> are surprised to learn, though, that diabetes is a real veterinary diagnosis as well. Keep reading to learn all about navigating diabetes in pets and what caring for an affected patient looks like.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blood Sugar Basics<\/span><\/h2>\n

With approximately 1 in 500 dogs and cats being affected, diabetes in pets is something that many pet owners will encounter. Knowing the basics can help a diagnosis to be a little less intimidating when it happens.<\/span>
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\n<\/span>Diabetes mellitus is the most frequently diagnosed form of diabetes in our pet patients. It is a disease of the endocrine system wherein either the pancreas does not make enough insulin to utilize ingested glucose or the body\u2019s cells are resistant to the insulin produced, requiring abnormally high levels for normal function. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>Under normal circumstances, insulin helps the glucose derived from food leave the bloodstream and enter the cells to use as energy. When this doesn\u2019t happen, whether it be due to low insulin levels or insulin resistance, glucose remains in the blood. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>Without glucose entering the cells, the body is forced to use other sources of energy despite having eaten. Diabete in pets most often results in symptoms which can include:<\/span><\/p>\n