Canine diabetes is a disease in dogs whereby the pancreas produces insufficient insulin to regulate the glucose load in the bloodstream. Diabetes in dogs has two main variations, type 1 which responds only to daily injections of insulin and type 2 which may possibly respond to dietary changes if caught early enough. The third type, gestational diabetes, occurs only in pregnant female dogs and mostly resolves after giving birth. The disease in all forms, while serious, may be managed quite well.

Canine diabetes can be caused by a weak immune system, a pancreatic infection or even a viral infection. Many times however, there seems to be no obvious cause for a dog to develop this condition and it is said to be "idiopathic". The type 1 can be genetic and may be passed down from generation to generation.

Untreated diabetes can cause many unpleasant symptoms such as weight loss or gain, lethargy, loss of vision, liver and bladder disease and eventually death. If you notice your dog drinking more than usual, urinating frequently or even being less active than usual, taking him to the vet is a good idea.

Diabetes in dogs commonly affects overweight female dogs, although overweight males are certainly not immune. It tends to appear as the dog reaches eight or nine years of age, although type 1 can affect even young dogs. Prevention is simple and consists of a combination of a good diet and plenty of exercise. There are also certain breeds of dogs that are more prone than others to developing canine diabetes. For instance Beagles, Poodles and German Shepherds to name a few, are more at risk of this disease.

A diet high in fat, as well as contributing to weight gain, may lead to an inflamed pancreas and a higher chance of developing diabetes. An optimum diet for your dog contains plenty of protein and vegetables with some complex carbohydrates. Avoid commercial dog foods which contain white rice or corn which are commonly used as fillers. You may even choose to prepare your dog's food yourself. That way you will know exactly what he is eating. Many dog owners feed their dogs a raw diet, claiming it is healthier than one that has been over processed and loaded with unhealthy carbohydrates.

So even if your dog has canine diabetes, it's possible for him to live a normal and happy life. He will need looking after of course, but he will repay you with companionship and loyalty as only a dog knows how!