Treating Pets With Diabetes
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas that affects the body's ability to control its blood sugar levels. The pancreas is responsible for producing a hormone called insulin which keeps blood sugar levels balanced.
Glucose is produced from the breaking down of starches and carbohydrates. It is absorbed through the wall of the digestive tract and passes into the bloodstream.
Insulin allows glucose to leave the bloodstream and enter the body's tissue where it is then used as energy for the cells. With diabetes, the body either produces insufficient quantities of insulin or does not utilize insulin effectively. Glucose then builds up in the bloodstream and causes an elevated blood sugar level.
High levels of glucose can lead to a number of complications such as
cataracts,
liver and kidney disease,
increased infections,
heart disease,
gastrointestinal disorders
and even coma and death.
What are the symptoms of Diabetes in cats and dogs?
Certain symptoms are common in cats and dogs with diabetes. However these signs may also indicate other diseases or conditions. The best way to determine if your pet has diabetes is to have his blood sugar levels checked by means of a blood test.
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Change in appetite
Weight loss
Lethargy
General weakness
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Cataracts (in dogs)
Diabetes can occur in puppies (juvenile-onset diabetes) or in adult dogs (adult onset diabetes). But in cats diabetes usually only occurs in middle-aged or older adults.
What causes diabetes?
The exact cause of diabetes is unknown. However there are certain risk factors.
obesity,
an unhealthy diet,
cortisone treatments,
stress and shock.
Genetics may also play a role.
We at Happy Tales Pets strongly recommend GlucoBalance available here.
GlucoBalance For Pet Diabetes
Price: 29.95
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