Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder. This could be due to lacking insulin (Type I), or from insulin resistance (Type II). A dog can have diabetes regardless of age, though older dogs are more at risk. Obese dogs and female dogs also have greater risk. The pancreas is where the hormone insulin is made. When systems are working properly, insulin will tell the liver and muscles to use the glucose (a sugar) in the bloodstream, and to turn it into energy. When glucose does not get sent to the brain, it is not aware of nutrients available in the body. Because the muscles and liver are not being told to use glucose then, the blood will have too much of it, and the body will be deprived of energy. This condition attacks the health of the liver, the eyes, and the kidneys.

The first warning signs of diabetes will include thirst, hunger, and urination that are extreme. You might also note a loss of weight in spite of your dog eating well. If the condition goes unnoticed for some time, symptoms might progress to total appetite loss and fatigue. Ketoacidosis, which is when parts of the liver starts to disintegrate due to lack of insulin, can be signaled by depression and vomiting. There could also be an enlarged liver, obesity, cataracts, and an infection in the bladder or kidney.

Certain breeds are more likely to have this condition. They include:

• Beagles
• Cairn terriers
• Dachshunds
• Keeshonds
• Miniature Pinschers
• Miniature Schnauzers
• Poodles
• Samoyeds

In order to assess whether or not your pet has this condition, your veterinarian can look over your dog's medical history as well as the list of current symptoms. There will likely be a blood count test, as well as other chemical tests. If a dog is diabetic, tests will uncover a high volume of glucose in the pet's urine and blood. Excessive amounts of liver enzymes and ketone bodies may be found in the urine as well, and an imbalance of electrolytes might be discerned. A veterinarian may decide that further tests are necessary, as other conditions can be linked to diabetes, or there may be complications from the diabetes. This could lead to studies such as X-rays and ultrasounds.

As for treatment, a veterinarian can set a regimen of exercise, as well as a proper diet to reduce the body's call to overproduce insulin. There may further be a weight loss plan, as obesity can make treating diabetes tricky. Still, if you follow the veterinarian's orders, it could take 2 to 4 months for your dog to be at the right weight. If you have the opposite problem of an underweight dog, then the dietary plan will center on getting your dog back to a healthy weight.

While you should not change your dog's diet without first consulting a veterinarian, you will probably need to remove soft and moist foods from your pet's nutrition. This food can lead to a buildup of glucose in the blood, and fast. A veterinarian will need to further tailor a diet toward your dog's needs, and you will have to strictly follow these instructions. Your veterinarian can further inform you on things to watch out for, like symptoms of too little glucose (hypoglycemia) and too much glucose (hyperglycemia) in the bloodstream. You should probably chart your dog's daily and weekly diet, glucose tests, insulin doses, and weight. This can help you monitor your dog's health.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, but if you follow the veterinarian's directions, your dog's diabetes can be managed, and it can go on to live a full and normal life. If you think your