What is Diabetes in dogs - what to look out for and how it is treated

Diabetes in dogs, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a condition where the body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't properly use the insulin it produces, leading to high blood sugar levels in the blood stream.  

It can be caused by genetic or lifestyle factors and affects dogs in a similar way to us, causing several unpleasant effects.  

Causes of Diabetes in dogs:  

• 'immune-mediated’ disease where the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin and destroy them

• after suffering from pancreatitis

• obesity contribute to insulin resistance which can lead to diabetes 

• long term steroids medications 

• hormonal imbalance such as Cushing's Disease or un-spayed female dogs are more at risks due to hormonal fluctuation 

Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published September 2025 | Review date September 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet