In a "normal" dog the pancreas produces insulin (see Function of the Pancreas), which is secreted directly into the dog's blood circulatory system. Insulin enables the dog's blood cells to utilize blood glucose (sugar) to be metabolized for energy. Inadequate insulin production results in diabetes mellitus.
     Without adequate insulin production the dog's blood glucose concentration will increase, resulting in a condition called hyperglycemia. Due to the build up of unused blood sugar, the dog's kidneys increase their activity, to cleanse the system. The increased kidney activity causes excessive urination, which in turn causes excessive thirst (to replace loss fluid).
     The initial indications of diabetes mellitus are usually:

a) increase in appetite - to get the energy the dog's system is lacking, since it isn't metabolizing sugar.

b) increase in urination - the kidneys trying to cleanse unused blood glucose from the circulatory system.

c) increase in thirst - the dog's system trying to replace fluid loss due to increased urination.

d) weight loss - the body isn't getting energy from the digestion and metabolism of blood sugar, therefore it digest stored body fat.

     Your veterinarian can determine whether or not your dog has diabetes mellitus. With early diagnosis, treatment and proper diet - diabetic dogs can live long, healthy lives. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness, vomiting, weakness, dehydration, labored breathing, coma and eventually death.

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