Diabetes Mellitus, Canine - contd.
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by high concentrations of glucose in the blood and in the urine. The disease usually results from either decreased production of insulin by the pancreas, or impaired insulin function within the body tissues. With either problem, the dog's system becomes unable to regulate the glucose that is circulating in the bloodstream. If the condition is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can progress to severe illness and possibly death. However, diabetes mellitus sometimes can be reversible when noted in the intact female dog.
Although there are two types of diabetes mellitus in dogs, insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent, the latter occurs rarely. This discussion is limited to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, IDDM. Just like humans with IDDM, dogs affected by this form of the disease will require lifelong administration of insulin in order to keep their blood glucose levels under control.
Some dogs accept and respond to treatment successfully. Others will not respond with even the most aggressive treatment, especially if multiple disorders are present.
