What are the signs of diabetes mellitus?
The signs of diabetes mellitus in dogs are: • Ravenous appetite • Weight loss (despite a good appetite and plenty of food) • Drinking larger than normal amounts of water • Increased urine production Low insulin and high glucose levels in the bloodstream cause all these signs. Glucose is a key energy source for all types of cells. However, insulin is needed in order for the glucose to be able to enter the cells from the bloodstream. (Insulin has been described as the “gatekeeper,” opening the gate so that glucose can enter the cell.) When there is insufficient insulin, the cells are deprived of glucose. The body must therefore use its fat stores and muscle protein as energy sources. This process causes the dog to eat more to replenish its depleted tissues. Despite the ravenous appetite, the dog still loses weight. Increased water intake and urine production are a direct result of the high blood glucose levels. The body tries to lower the blood glucose by excreting some glucose in the ur
