Management of canine diabetes

The majority of diabetic dogs appear to have a form of type 1 diabetes anal ogous to the latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) in humans. Evidenc e of acute or chronic pancreatitis occurs in about 40% of diabetic dogs. Bl indness caused by cataract formation eventually occurs in the majority of d iabetic dogs and is not dependent on glycemic control. Insulin is the mains tay of therapy for diabetic dogs, and a conservative approach to insulin th erapy is crucial. Most diabetic dogs require twice-daily dosing with lente or NPH insulin to adequately control their clinical signs. The diet fed sho uld primarily be palatable and nutritionally balanced. Improved glycemic co ntrol may be achieved in some dogs if the diet contains increased insoluble fiber.