Put Pauline Machado
A diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus in dogs and cats still frightens many pet owners, but the good news is that, with proper monitoring, it's possible to ensure a long, stable, and happy life for pets.
This condition, similar to human diabetes, requires changes in routine and special attention to diet, blood glucose monitoring, and insulin administration—all done with care, patience, and professional guidance.
To better understand how this disease manifests and how to deal with it on a daily basis, we spoke with the Veterinarian, Lucianne Brusco Moreira , general practitioner specializing in preventive medicine.
In this interview, she explains the most common causes of diabetes in dogs and cats, the warning signs that owners should watch for, and also provides practical tips to make treatment easier and more effective, both for pets and their families.
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Pet Med – What is diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats? Is it the same as diabetes in humans?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the animal's pancreas is unable to metabolize blood sugar (glucose) due to a lack of or failure of insulin—a hormone that helps glucose enter cells to be converted into energy. It is very similar to diabetes in humans, and therefore the treatments are also similar, such as the use of insulin and dietary care.
Pet Med – What are the main causes of diabetes in pets? Can it be prevented?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – The most common causes are: obesity, advanced age, genetic predisposition (breed), hormonal problems, or the use of medications such as corticosteroids. In some cases, it's unavoidable, but maintaining a healthy weight, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary visits can greatly help in prevention.
Pet Med – How can pet owners tell if something is wrong? What are the most common clinical signs?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – The main signs are that the pet starts drinking a lot of water, urinating more than normal, eating a lot and still losing weight, and in some cases, vision loss. If the owner notices these signs, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. I usually say it's the 4 P's disease: Weight loss, Polyuria (excessive water intake), Polydipsia (excessive urination), and Polyphagia (excessive eating).
Pet Med – From what age or condition does a dog or cat become more prone to diabetes?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – Diabetes usually appears in middle-aged to senior pets, that is, from 6 or 7 years of age. Overweight animals, unspayed females, and some specific breeds are also at higher risk.
Pet Med – How is the diagnosis made? Does it require specific tests or prolonged monitoring?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – Diagnosis is made through blood and urine tests, and after diagnosis, a glucose tolerance test is necessary to adjust medication dosage and require regular follow-up appointments.
Pet Med – Once diagnosed, is diabetes curable or is it a chronic condition for life?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – Diabetes in pets is a chronic condition, meaning it lasts a lifetime. However, with the right treatment, we can eventually reduce the medication dosage, allowing the pet to live a healthy and high-quality life for many years.
Pet Med – Does the pet's routine change much? What does the owner need to adapt in their daily life after the diagnosis?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – Yes, especially at the beginning it's a little more difficult due to the various glucose measurements throughout the day that we'll need for the glucose tolerance test; the routine changes a bit. The owner will need to administer insulin, usually twice a day, maintain fixed feeding times, and typically provide a maximum of 2 to 3 meals a day, and monitor the pet more closely. But over time, everything falls into place and becomes part of the daily routine.
Pet Med – How to plan a safe diet for diabetic dogs and cats?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – Nutrition is essential in controlling diabetes. Ideally, a diet should be low in carbohydrates. Nowadays, there are specific diets for diabetic pets. A veterinarian or nutritionist can create a specific meal plan for each animal.
Pet Med – Is insulin always necessary? How to administer it safely and without causing suffering to the animal?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – In most cases, yes, insulin is necessary. It's administered with a very fine needle or injector pen, usually subcutaneously under the skin of the back, and many pets don't even feel it. With patience and practice, the owner learns and the pet gets used to it.
Pet Med – Is it possible to monitor blood glucose at home? How and how often should this be done?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – Yes, it is possible. Nowadays there are devices called glucometers that help measure blood glucose at home, using a small drop of blood, or a continuous glucose monitor/glucose sensor that adheres to the skin, taking several measurements throughout the day for up to 14 days. The frequency depends on each case, but usually the veterinarian recommends measuring before insulin injections and at specific times throughout the day. Ideally, always follow the guidance of the professional who cares for your pet.
Pet Med – What complications are most common in diabetic pets, such as cataracts or ketoacidosis, and how can they be prevented?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – The most common complications are cataracts, which can affect vision, hypoglycemia from incorrect injections, and ketoacidosis, which are emergencies requiring prompt treatment. To avoid these, it's extremely important to keep blood glucose well controlled, administer insulin correctly, take care of their diet, and have regular check-ups with the veterinarian. With daily care, you can keep your pet healthy and happy!
Pet Med – Finally, how do you comfort and reassure a pet owner who has just received a diabetes diagnosis for their pet and is scared about what lies ahead?
Lucianne Brusco Moreira – First of all: take a deep breath, this will be alright! We will navigate this path together. Receiving the diagnosis is indeed frightening, but with love, attention, and veterinary care, it's entirely possible to give your pet a great quality of life. You are not alone — count on the help of professionals and don't be afraid to ask whenever you need to. With time, everything becomes routine and love makes it all worthwhile!
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