Possible complications

The long-term complications of diabetes mellitus are a result of prolonged high blood glucose (hyperglycemia).

Due to their shorter life span, diabetic dogs seem to develop fewer long-term complications than human diabetics. Obtaining optimal control of blood glucose helps to minimize the long- term complications of diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diabetic ketoacidosis is an emergency.

DKA develops due to:

  • Long-standing, undiagnosed diabetes mellitus.
  • Insufficient insulin dose in treated diabetics.
  • Reduced insulin action - caused by obesity, concurrent illness or drugs. This is the cause of more than two-thirds of cases of DKA.

What causes DKA?

Due to a lack of insulin, glucose cannot be used by the body cells as an energy source. Instead fat is broken down to provide energy.

When fat is used as an energy source, acids known as ketones are produced. Ketones circulating in the blood cause signs of DKA - anorexia, nausea and lethargy.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of DKA is based on detecting ketones in the urine and sometimes in the blood along with signs of illness. See Monitoring glucose and ketones in your dog's urine for more information.

Treatment

DKA is an emergency and treatment must be started as soon as possible.

Your veterinarian will administer intravenous fluids and insulin and correct any underlying disorders to stabilize your dog. Once your dog is stabilized it will be started on long term insulin therapy again.

Cataracts

Diabetic cataracts

This is the most common complication of diabetes in dogs.

A cataract is when the lens of the eye becomes opaque; blindness results in the affected eye or eyes.

What causes diabetic cataracts?

Excess glucose in the bloodstream causes changes in the lens of the eye. Water diffuses into the lens causing swelling and disruption of the lens structure. This results in the opacity that is seen.

Treatment

The lens of the eye can be removed surgically to restore vision. Control of high blood glucose levels should help prevent or delay the onset of diabetic cataracts.