Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Q: Two of my Miniature Schnauzers have developed diabetes. Can you explain the difference between genetic diabetes and just diabetes, as well as the treatment? What breeds are more prone to develop the disease?
A: Diabetes is a complicated disease and is one of the most common hormonal disorders in dogs and cats. Diabetes occurs when insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (called beta cells) stop producing insulin. When this happens, even though there is an excess amount of glucose circulating in the body, the body is unable to utilize it for energy.
Dogs with diabetes have very diagnostic clinical signs: they eat and drink excessively, urinate excessively and lose weight. If left untreated, they can die.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/single+cause+diabetes+dogs/5526709/story.html
Interesting how the prevalence of the two types is reversed in cats and dogs, with more 'Type 1' than 'Type 2'. I guess it has a lot to do with the obesity trigger.
A: Diabetes is a complicated disease and is one of the most common hormonal disorders in dogs and cats. Diabetes occurs when insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (called beta cells) stop producing insulin. When this happens, even though there is an excess amount of glucose circulating in the body, the body is unable to utilize it for energy.
Dogs with diabetes have very diagnostic clinical signs: they eat and drink excessively, urinate excessively and lose weight. If left untreated, they can die.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/single+cause+diabetes+dogs/5526709/story.html
Interesting how the prevalence of the two types is reversed in cats and dogs, with more 'Type 1' than 'Type 2'. I guess it has a lot to do with the obesity trigger.