Bird diabetes

[Northerner]

I just learned that diabetes in birds is not caused by a shortage of insulin, but an over-production of glucagon - how interesting! I wonder if, in the wide spectrum of mammalian diabetes, there is a similar condition?

 

[Vicsetter]

Could it be the Dawn phenomena

 

[Copepod]

Or a wider range of causes among avian species?!? Which species have they checked - presumably just pets and livestock such as budgies, cockatiels, various parrots, chickens, ducks, turkeys, quails, ostriches etc.

 

[Caroline]

I suppose it is possible for any living thing to become diabetic if they have a pancreas

 

[Robster65]

It's a bit like Type 1 and Type2, although very similar in their presentation and treatment options, have completely different causes (although maybe share some of the genetic 'anomalies' that give rise to each).

I suppose it's down to how similar each family's digestion system is. Most mammals would likely have similar nuts and bolts inside.

Birds are evolved from reptiles, so have a different way of dealing with food and digestion. Where's David Attenborough when you need him?!!! 🙄

Rob

 

[trophywench]

That's the trouble when you lump together a variety of things that cause a similar symptom and try to pretend it's all one disease, innit?

Let's think .... eg

Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Insulin Resistance
Impaired/Absence of production of endogenous Insulin
Over production of endogenous insulin
Fault in glucagon storage mechanism