Is Your Pet Diabetic?

Many of us have loved ones affected by diabetes. But did you realize that those loved ones can also include your pets?

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Many of us have loved ones affected by diabetes. But did you realize that those loved ones can also include your pets? Like human diabetes, animal diabetes is characterized by a high level of glucose in the blood. Blood-glucose levels and the absorption of this glucose by the body’s cells are regulated by the hormone insulin. If there isn’t enough of this hormone present, or if the cells can’t use it effectively, glucose levels increase, which can lead to diabetes.

Know the signs According to the experts at WebVet (webvet.com), often diabetes begins in middle age. In dogs, it is more common in females and in certain breeds, including miniature pinschers. In cats, males and females of all breeds can be affected, and the sexes seem to be equally at risk. Here are some signs of animal diabetes:

> Drinking a lot of water
> Urinating more often than usual
> Eating more food than usual
> Losing weight
> Developing sores and skin infections.

If you notice any symptoms of diabetes, take your pet for a checkup.

Get treatment Very mild cases of diabetes can sometimes be managed with diet, exercise and weight loss. In most cases, however, an animal will need insulin injections to keep blood-glucose levels in the normal range. Your vet can teach you how to give your pet these injections.

Keep it in check Once a routine is established—including keeping meals and exercise consistent, and administering insulin—and your pet gets used to it, managing his diabetes takes very little time. And your pet can enjoy a healthy life for many more years.

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