Diabetes mellitus

What is it?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease where the animal's body no longer properly regulates blood sugar levels, often due to lack of insulin or poor response to it. It commonly affects middle-aged to older dogs and cats. This disease requires regular veterinary monitoring throughout the animal's life.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Causes and risk factors

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin or the body's cells respond poorly to it. In dogs, it is often a destruction of insulin-producing cells, while in cats, it is linked to insulin resistance, often associated with being overweight. Genetic and hormonal factors may also play a role.

Being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle and an unbalanced diet increase the risk of developing diabetes, especially in cats. Advanced age, certain predisposed breeds, as well as concomitant hormonal diseases are also important factors. Unspayed female dogs may also pose an increased risk in female dogs.

Transmission

Diabetes mellitus is not a contagious disease and is not transmitted from animal to animal or to humans. It results from internal factors specific to each animal, such as metabolism or genetics. No contact or proximity with an affected animal presents any risk.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Prevention

References

MSD Veterinary Manual

Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 18 August 2026