Top 10 Risk Factors of Diabetes in Dogs

As many as 1 in every 300 dogs will eventually be diagnosed with diabetes. Most pet parents realize that dogs, like humans, can get diabetes, but may not realize just how common it is, or why so many of or our four-legged family members are being diagnosed with this disease.
In honor of National Diabetes Month, learn what factors can put your dog at risk and what you can do to help protect your dog’s best health.

What is Diabetes in Dogs?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes high blood sugar. There are two types: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is known in humans as “childhood diabetes,” because it’s caused by an autoimmune deficiency that prevents the pancreas from making insulin, a hormone that enables cells in the body to utilize glucose (sugar) as energy.
Type 2 diabetes differs from Type 1 in that the pancreas can still produce some insulin. It’s commonly associated with obesity and high sugar consumption. The pancreas will produce more insulin to help break down excess sugar, but over time the cells become less responsive to the hormone, a phenomenon known as insulin resistance.
Dogs with diabetes almost always have type 1. Type 2 is possible, but rare, in dogs.

Top 10 Risk Factors of Diabetes in Dogs

1. Age.
Dogs with diabetes are typically diagnosed as an older adult, anywhere from 4 to 14 years of age. Even though dogs usually get Type 1, which is known as “childhood diabetes,” in humans, it’s not commonly diagnosed in puppies.

2. Sex.
Intact female dogs are twice as likely to develop diabetes than males. This is because of the female hormone progesterone, which can cause insulin resistance. Progesterone is produced just after a heat cycle and during pregnancy. Spaying a female dog greatly reduces their risk of developing diabetes, and intact, diabetic dogs can go into diabetic remission after being spayed.

3. Breed or familial history.
Certain breeds are more susceptible to diabetes. Golden Retrievers, Toy Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, are considered high risk breeds, as well as many Terrier breeds. However, diabetes can affect dogs of any breed, including mixed-breed dogs, which are just as susceptible as their purebred counterparts.

4. Obesity.
Type 2 diabetes, the type commonly caused by obesity when seen in humans and cats, is rare in dogs. However, obesity is still considered a possible risk factor for canine diabetes. It could be because excess weight and an unhealthy diet can lead to inflammation that compromises pancreatic function.

5. Inactivity.
While a sedentary lifestyle will not directly cause diabetes, it can exacerbate a dog’s risk of eventually developing the disease. Exercise increases insulin sensitivity and helps the body break down sugars more efficiently.

6. Pancreatitis.
Up to 40% of diabetic dogs have had one or more episode of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis typically occurs shortly after the dog has eaten a high-fat meal. The pancreas must produce more enzymes to digest a fatty meal, and the increased enzymes can actually break down the pancreas itself, as well as surrounding tissue. Recurring or severe pancreatitis episodes can leave the organ with permanent damage, which is what can cause an inability to produce insulin.

7. Steroid medications.
Your dog may take steroids to manage allergies, arthritis, or other health conditions associated with pain or inflammation. Long-term use of steroids can cause insulin resistance, increasing your dog’s risk of developing diabetes, especially in conjunction with other risk factors.

8. Cushing’s disease.
Cushing’s disease is a condition in which the dog’s body produces excessive amounts of the stress hormone cortisol, either as a result of long-term use of steroid medications or a dysfunction of the adrenal glands. High cortisol levels can cause insulin resistance. Up to 10% of dogs with Cushing’s disease will also be diagnosed with diabetes.

9. Environmental factors.
Exposure to certain chemicals including pesticides, traffic-related air pollution, and phthalates have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes.

10. Having a human family member with diabetes.
Recent studies suggest that dogs take over their pet parents in many ways when it comes to their health. Not only are dogs and their pet parents likely to share struggles with their weight, but those whose dogs have diabetes have a 38% increased risk of having type 2 diabetes themselves. Dogs and their pet parents may share a similar lifestyle and eating habits as well as the same exposure to environmental pollutants.

Preventing and Managing Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes is incredibly common in dogs, and many of the above risk factors are inevitable. While you can control your dog’s diet and work towards an active, healthy lifestyle, it’s difficult or impossible to control other factors like breed, age, and pollution.
Fortunately, diabetes in dogs can be managed with daily blood sugar monitoring and insulin injections. Though daunting at first, diabetes care quickly becomes routine. Dogs can enjoy many healthy, happy years after diagnosis with help from their pet parent and their veterinarian.