Like us, our pets suffer from rising rates of diabetes, often precipitated by obesity or lack of exercise.Since November is national Pet Diabetes Prevention month (www.petdiabetesmonth.com/usa), I thought we'd cover some of the basics about this often complicated condition.

Diabetes is a metabolic state in which the body lacks insulin, either because the pancreas is not able to produce it, or because the body's cells are resistant to it's effect. Insulin is the carrier that drives glucose, or sugar, into the cell.Without insulin, the body cannot use the glucose, and it remains in the blood stream, causing a high blood glucose.

Common signs that your pet may have diabetes include weight loss, excessive thirst, muscle wasting or weakness, poor haircoat, frequent urinary tract infections, cataracts, and lethargy. The disease is most common in middle aged to older dogs and cats, often with a history of obesity and low activity level. Some pets will have a genetic predisposition to this disease, just as some people do.

If you suspect diabetes, a veterinary consult is in order. Your veterinarian will want to test blood and urine samples, and often will do several blood glucose tests, called a "glucose curve", in order to determine if your pet is afflicted. Once diabetes is diagnosed, therapy will likely cover both diet and insulin administration.

Dietary control is as important in animals as it is in people. Your veterinarian will discuss some specific foods that will help to stabilize blood sugar levels. In cats, this is typically a high protein/ low carbohydrate diet. In dogs, high fiber and low fat are important. If you are lucky, you will be able to manage the diabetes with diet regulation alone.

More commonly, twice daily insulin injections are also required. Although many clients are initially nervous about the prospect of giving their beloved pet injections, most become quite comfortable with the practice. Insulin needles are very small, and injections are typically tolerated quite well by cats and dogs.

As always, prevention is the best medicine. Keep your pets active, and avoid high fat diets. If your pet is diagnosed with diabetes, follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully. With proper management, diabetic pets can lead normal, active lives.

Cathy Theisen is a relief veterinarian in Ann Arbor, and has 23 years experience in small animal medicine and surgery. Direct questions to cathytheisen@comcast.net.