Diabetes and insulin resistance in pets

Diabetes increases in pets but the disease takes different forms depending on the species. Dogs and cats develop diabetes similar to the types seen in humans. The treatment often consists of a change in diet, exercise and insulin injections. Insulin injections are usually also given to type 2 diabetics to relieve the pancreas.

Many animals with type 2 diabetes can get rid of their diabetes with prompt treatment. Pet owners often monitor blood glucose levels with blood glucose meters in the same way as in humans.

In horses, the pancreas can produce very high levels of insulin to compensate for decreased insulin sensitivity, which means that horses almost never develop diabetes. However, the high insulin concentrations in the body cause inflammation in the hooves and the horses develop laminitis, which is very painful. The treatment for horses often consists of a change in diet and exercise.

The Uppsala Diabetes Centre shares knowledge and experience from human and veterinary medicine, which can lead to important research projects and knowledge to improve the living situation of animals with diabetes and insulin resistance and their owners.