Were you aware that diabetes can strike your furry family members? It’s true! Nearly 1 in 400 cats and dogs develop diabetes during their lifetime. The two forms of pet diabetes your veterinarian can diagnose are mellitus and insipidus. The good news is that neither is a death sentence. Early diagnosis and treatment by a qualified veterinarian is necessary…and it can be costly. One 2007 report estimates that the average, per-visit cost for treating their pet with diabetes exceeded $200!

However, both diabetes insipidus and mellitus can be covered under certain veterinary pet insurance plans, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expense. (When shopping for pet insurance, be sure the plan you choose covers the treatment for this condition; most require enrollment of your pet while he/she is young - before they develop the illness.)

Diabetes Mellitus

More common than diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus is also known as "sugar diabetes", caused by a deficiency of insulin — the hormone that regulates sugar absorption. It occurs more often in canines – particularly females (like "Fluffy") – than in cats, generally between the ages of 5-7 years old.

As is the case with human diabetes, when Fluffy’s body can no longer produce insulin, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, causing various health issues.

Diabetes mellitus symptoms tend to be very gradual and are often easily overlooked. However, one notable sign of diabetes mellitus - Fluffy is overweight. Additionally, when the quantity of sugar doubles the normal level, it spills over into the urine, creating an increase in Fluffy’s urine production, thirst and appetite. As the disease progresses, Fluffy may develop depression, excessive vomiting, and become dehydrated. Left untreated, the condition can lead to blindness in dogs, increasingly weak legs in cats, and eventually malnutrition, coma and death.

As with juvenile diabetes in "pet parents", diabetes mellitus is commonly treated by following a proper diet and administering insulin on a regimented schedule. Fluffy’s veterinarian will determine the insulin volume based on her weight and reaction to medication. (Keep in mind, it may take awhile to get Fluffy regulated, and her medication may need to be adjusted periodically.)

While Fluffy may go into remission following weeks or months of treatment, it does not necessarily mean she has been "cured." Lifelong, diligent monitoring of Fluffy’s food intake and exercise must be maintained in order for her to have a healthy, happy life.