Although a diagnosis of diabetes for your dog is concerning, it is not a death sentence! A cornerstone of any diabetes treatment strategy is regulating your dog's nutrition. Today's high-carbohydrate kibbles induce blood sugar fluctuations and insulin resistance in dogs. They are widely regarded as the leading cause of obesity, diabetes, and many other health issues. 

Traditional dry dog meals are high in carbohydrates, with most containing up to 40-60% carbohydrates. This means that over half of a standard dry dog meal comprises non-essential simple sugars. It is not even apparent that there are so many carbs in a bag of kibble because dog food manufacturers are not required to declare the carbohydrate percentage on the dog food label.

Diabetes in dogs is similar to diabetes in humans. It occurs when your dog's body has difficulty regulating its blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose is a form of sugar that provides energy for the body's cells.

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is responsible for helping glucose enter cells, where it is used for energy. When a dog has diabetes, there's an issue with insulin production or how the body responds to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. There are two types of diabetes in dogs.

Type 1 diabetes in dogs, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), is a chronic condition where the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. It happens when your dog's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, your dog's body doesn't produce enough insulin. Dogs with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections to control their blood sugar levels.

The number of canines diagnosed with diabetes has risen in the last 30 years. And, since 2006, it has climbed by 80%. Although hereditary factors may play a role in this growth, many professionals believe it is primarily due to environmental influences. Female dogs, as well as smaller dog breeds, are more prone to diabetes. Some breeds are more susceptible than others, including Samoyeds, Cairn Terriers, and Tibetan Terriers.

One of the first clinical signs of diabetes you will notice in your dog is increased thirst (polydipsia). Dogs with diabetes often drink larger amounts of water than usual, which leads to the following common sign: frequent urination (polyuria). As your dog takes in more water, she will require more frequent walks or more outside time. 

The increase in water consumption and urination can lead to other conditions. Diabetic dogs are more prone to urinary infections and can become dehydrated.

Most diabetic dogs will seem to be constantly hungry. Despite the increased appetite (polyphagia), diabetic dogs may lose weight because the body cannot properly use the glucose from food for energy. However, some diabetic dogs will experience anorexia, a loss of appetite. Both conditions can lead to low energy in your dog.

Other health problems can arise from diabetes. Diabetes can lead to the development of cataracts, cloudy or opaque eyes, which can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. 

In advanced cases of untreated diabetes, your dog can develop neuropathy, which affects the peripheral nervous system. High blood sugar levels can damage your dog's nerves over time, leading to weakness, loss of coordination, and difficulty walking.

Type 2 diabetes in dogs, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin production. Your dog's body doesn't respond well to the insulin produced. Over time, insulin production may decrease.

Type 2 diabetes is often linked to obesity, genetics, and age. Type 2 diabetes can be treated with proper nutrition and exercise, sometimes without medication.

The clinical signs of type 2 diabetes in dogs are similar to those of type 1 diabetes but tend to develop more gradually.

The diagnosis of diabetes in dogs involves a combination of clinical signs, physical examination findings, and laboratory tests. It's essential to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have diabetes, as early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the condition effectively. 

The initial diagnosis often begins with a discussion between you and your veterinarian. Be prepared to provide information about your dog's signs, including increased thirst, frequent urination, changes in appetite, weight loss, and any other noticeable behavioral or physical changes.

Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination, which can reveal signs of diabetes, such as changes in body condition, signs of dehydration, cataracts in the eyes, and neurological changes.

The most definitive diagnostic test for diabetes in dogs is measuring blood glucose levels, typically done after your dog has been fasted overnight. A fasting blood glucose level above a reference range threshold suggests diabetes. 

Elevated blood glucose levels can spill over into the urine, so testing your dog's urine is an easy test for diabetes. The presence of glucose in the urine is a strong indicator of diabetes.

To look at your dog's overall condition, your veterinarian may want to perform a more comprehensive bloodwork panel, including a complete blood count and a serum chemistry profile. 

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, an organ located near the stomach. It is critical in regulating glucose levels in the bloodstream and helps control the body's carbohydrates, fats, and protein metabolism. Insulin acts like a "key" that allows glucose to enter cells, where it's used as fuel for various bodily functions.

Insulin is crucial in maintaining overall health and homeostasis in the body. When the body cannot produce enough insulin (as in type 1 diabetes) or cannot use it effectively (as in type 2 diabetes), blood sugar levels become unbalanced, leading to a range of health issues, including hyperglycemia, which can cause long-term complications if not managed properly.

Hyperglycemia is when abnormally high glucose levels are in the bloodstream because your dog's body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. If left untreated, chronic hyperglycemia can lead to more severe complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition characterized by extremely high blood sugar levels and metabolic imbalance.

One of insulin's primary functions is to regulate blood sugar levels. It helps prevent blood glucose from becoming too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia).

After eating a meal, your dog's digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. The glucose then enters the bloodstream, causing a rise in blood glucose levels. The pancreas detects this increase and responds by releasing insulin into the bloodstream.

Insulin helps glucose enter cells by binding to receptors on the cell surface. This opens channels that allow glucose to move from the bloodstream into the cells. Once inside the cells,  a series of chemical reactions converts glucose into energy, which is used for various processes, including muscle movement, organ function, and other bodily activities.

As glucose enters your dog's cells, the amount of glucose in the bloodstream decreases. This triggers a feedback loop telling the pancreas to reduce insulin production so blood sugar levels don't get too low.

If your dog has type 1 diabetes, the normal insulin-regulation process doesn't work because the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin.

If your dog has type 2 diabetes, her body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, or the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs. As a result, blood sugar levels can become too high, leading to various health issues.

The word "sugar" is unlikely to appear on the ingredient list of your dog food. Most dog parents are aware of the harmful health effects of sugar consumption in humans and understand that their dogs should not consume it, but they are often unaware of the large amounts of sugar in their dog's kibble.

Kibble-fed dogs inherently consume far more sugar than those fed fresh foods. Kibble is loaded with carbohydrates despite dogs having no carbohydrate requirement in their diet. Corn, wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, soy, rice, and peas are the most common ingredients in kibble and some canned foods. They are simple carbohydrates that become glucose upon digestion. 

Pet food producers do not disclose the carbohydrate content of their dog food on the guaranteed analysis. When shopping for dog food, it is up to you to figure out its carb content. You will need to conduct some simple math to determine the amount. To find out how many carbs are in the pet food bag you're looking at, solve the following:

Protein + Fat + Moisture + Ash, then subtract 100 = Carbohydrates

Treating diabetes in dogs focuses on managing blood sugar levels and addressing the underlying insulin deficiency or resistance. The main components of diabetes management in dogs include insulin therapy, dietary changes, monitoring, and regular veterinary check-ups. 

The goal of diabetes management is to achieve and maintain blood sugar levels. The first step for most veterinarians will be to prescribe insulin injections for your dog. It may be necessary to initially treat your dog with insulin until her sugar levels are controlled, but without a change in diet, it is trial and error until you find the correct dose. Dogs with type 1 diabetes will require insulin injections, but the amount and frequency can be reduced if your dog is fed a low-carb diet.

So, upon hearing about the diabetes diagnosis, the first course of action should be to change your dog to a biologically appropriate diet, one with minimal carbs and high-quality animal proteins and fats. Providing animal proteins and fats will give your dog's body a more sustainable energy source that does not create blood glucose spikes.

Obesity is a risk factor for insulin resistance and developing type 2 diabetes in dogs. Regular exercise can help dogs maintain a healthy weight or support weight loss efforts if necessary. Achieving and maintaining an ideal body weight is crucial for diabetes management. When implemented correctly, exercise can improve blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, and overall well-being. 

Dogs with diabetes require frequent veterinary check-ups to assess overall health, adjust insulin dosages as needed, and monitor for complications. Diabetes management is a lifelong commitment that requires dedication and consistency. With proper treatment and monitoring, most dogs with diabetes can lead relatively every day and healthy lives. 

Dietary Changes to Improve Insulin Balance

Diets comprised primarily of animal protein, animal fat, and low-glycemic vegetables don't require insulin to produce energy. Type 2 diabetes can be reversed when dogs are fed the proper diet!

If you limit your dog's carb intake and provide a diet rich in animal protein and fats, her body will utilize them for energy. Fat has twice the energy per gram of carbs and protein, so it is an excellent primary energy source if it is from high-quality animal meats. However, you must avoid fats from processed and fried foods because those fats can contribute to insulin resistance and other metabolic problems.

Dietary fat is a concentrated source of calories. Including uncooked animal fats in your dog's diet can help provide energy without causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Fats can also help your dog feel full after a meal, which is particularly important for overweight or obese dogs with type 2 diabetes. A diet with healthy fats may help control appetite and prevent overeating.

Because fat slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates from the digestive tract, glucose is gradually released into the bloodstream, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels after a meal.

Unsaturated fats, such as those in fatty fish like salmon, anchovies, sardines, and mackerel, are considered healthy fats. They provide essential fatty acids and have potential health benefits for dogs with diabetes.

Although a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus can feel overwhelming, it is not hopeless. With appropriate veterinary care, insulin therapy when needed, regular monitoring, and thoughtful nutritional management, many diabetic dogs live happy, active lives for years after diagnosis. Nutrition is one of the few factors dog parents can control every day, making it a cornerstone of both diabetes management and lifelong metabolic health.

Diabetes, Insulin and Kibble

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