Canine diabetes requires twice-daily insulin injections and dietary management. With appropriate treatment, diabetic dogs can maintain good quality of life for years.
Diabetic dogs experience significant welfare compromise from uncontrolled disease including the discomfort of chronic hyperglycemia, rapid cataract development causing blindness, and risk of diabetic ketoacidosis which is a life-threatening emergency. Treatment with insulin dramatically improves quality of life though the twice-daily injection and feeding schedule requires significant owner commitment. Glucose regulation monitoring using home glucometers or continuous glucose monitors reduces the frequency of clinic visits while providing better glycemic control. Diabetic cataracts are a near-universal complication requiring surgical management for vision restoration if the dog is otherwise well.