{"id":44,"date":"2022-11-02T16:44:18","date_gmt":"2022-11-02T20:44:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mainstreetvets.co\/blog\/?p=44"},"modified":"2023-05-02T15:23:46","modified_gmt":"2023-05-02T19:23:46","slug":"raising-awareness-of-pet-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mainstreetvets.co\/blog\/raising-awareness-of-pet-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"Raising Awareness of Pet Diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Pet<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

November is <\/em>National Pet Diabetes Month<\/a>. This month-long drive opens the door for owners to learn about prevention, and why early detection is so meaningful. As a common condition facing many cats and dogs, pet diabetes is a huge priority for veterinary experts. Treatment is effective and available, but left alone, pet diabetes can cause serious health risks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Types of Pet Diabetes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pet diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, concerns the body\u2019s inability to control healthy levels of blood glucose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type 1 occurs when the pancreas doesn\u2019t produce adequate levels of the critical hormone insulin. This is the most common type of pet diabetes, and is the result of damage to the cells in the pancreas. Insulin injections are critical in these cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is resistant to the levels of insulin created by the pancreas, or something interferes with the body\u2019s ability to use the insulin. This is commonly seen in overweight or obese pets, or is a secondary disease to another hormonal disorder. If treated early on, long term insulin support might not be required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Importance of Insulin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Without proper levels of insulin, the body cannot effectively convert food into energy. One of the first signs of pet diabetes is an uncharacteristic loss of energy or interest in activities. Due to insulin deficiency, blood sugar levels increase and sugar and excess water is excreted into the urine. After lethargy, increased thirst and urination are the telltale signs of pet diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also recommend watching for the following known symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n