Diabetes in Pets

Pets suffer from diabetes mellitus either because their pancreas stops producing insulin, doesn’t produce enough insulin or their body has an abnormal response to the hormone. The pancreas produces insulin and allows glucose in the blood to enter cells so the body can function properly.

There are two common types of diabetes mellitus and just like humans, pets can develop both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

• Type 1 diabetes, known as insulin-deficiency diabetes occurs when your pet’s body can’t produce enough insulin. People and pets that have type 1 diabetes need to be given insulin so their body can use glucose. Unfortunately, if your pet develops type 1 diabetes, there is no cure but the condition can be controlled.
• Type 2 diabetes, known as insulin-resistant diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin. Sometimes through weight loss and diet and exercise improvements, type 2 diabetes can be reversed.

Dogs are more likely to get type 1 diabetes whereas cats are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. However, obesity, as well as some diseases and medications, can cause type 2 diabetes in dogs.

Diabetes mellitus is more likely to affect middle-aged to older cats and cats that are overweight. Also, diabetes in cats is most common in males that have been neutered.

It’s always best to insure your cat or dog when they’re young, in case they develop an ongoing condition like diabetes. Unfortunately, many pet insurance providers won’t accept cats or dogs with diabetes onto their policies as they already suffer from a chronic illness. Some companies might provide them with insurance but it won’t cover your pet for any diabetes related treatment.

Insurance company ManyPets have a unique Pre-Existing policy that might cover diabetes in dogs and diabetes in cats. It covers medical conditions that your cat or dog has experienced in the past as long as they’ve not received treatment or medication for them in the three months prior to your policy starting.