This disease is a result of the inability of the pancreas to produce adequate amounts of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that enables the body to utilize sugar present in the blood for energy. If your pet cannot utilize this sugar, the body will react by breaking down other compounds for energy. The resulting byproducts (ketones) are toxic to the body and will cause severe illness. To prevent this we must supplement the insulin being produced by the body with extra insulin. For many pet owners, giving injections is their biggest concern. It shouldn’t be, however, as it is easy, quick and painless. We can teach you in a matter of minutes.

Most diabetics can be treated successfully, but it is important to understand that this is a lifelong process and requires commitment on the part of the pet owner. Improper treatment may be worse than no treatment.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
High blood sugar levels result in high urine sugar levels. As large amounts of sugar are passed in the urine, this takes large amounts of water with them. This causes the most dramatic symptoms: increased urine output and increased thirst as the body tries to compensate. Weight loss can occur due to poor glucose utilization by tissues and organs. The most serious symptoms remain unseen: damage to the liver, kidneys and other organs. Damage to the eyes often causes blindness.

HOW IS IT TREATED?
Most cases of diabetes can be controlled successfully, but some cases can be difficult to manage and will require patience on the part of the pet owner. Diabetes is treated by giving insulin injections-- usually twice a day. The amount of insulin needed is determined by monitoring urine or blood sugar levels and increasing the dose gradually until the correct maintenance dose is reached. The amount of insulin required each day may be subject to change depending on various factors such as alterations in diet, exercise and environmental stresses.

Insulin doses are different for every patient. Dosing too low leaves the patient in a diabetic state and has adverse long-term effects. Dosing too high can drive blood sugar too low and can result in seizures, coma or death. Therefore, we start with low doses and increase gradually until the diabetes is regulated.

Treatment begins by admitting the patient to the hospital for the day. A small dose of insulin is given and blood sugar levels are measured hourly to determine how long after injection the peak effect occurs (when blood sugar is at its lowest level). When your pet is released we will teach you how to give insulin injections. Rechecks are scheduled every 5 – 7 days and the dose is gradually increased until the diabetes is controlled. After that, intermittent blood and urine levels are checked to see if dosage changes are necessary.

INJECTION TECHNIQUE . . . .

• Keep insulin in the refrigerator.
• Roll bottle between your palms to mix--don't shake.
• Draw insulin into syringe. Tap out bubbles.
• Tent the skin along the neck or back. Stick needle into the base of the tented skin and inject. Try not to inject into the same spot every time.
• Dispose of syringes in a puncture proof container and bring to our office when full.