Diabetes mellitus is caused by absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. This results in altered carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, which manifests as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, polyuria, lethargy, weight loss, polyphagia, poor coat, andreduced immunity. The majority of diabetic dogs likely have absolute insulin deficiency due to type 1 diabetes mellitus caused by immune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. In approximately 30%, loss of beta cells is due to extensive pancreatic damagefrom chronic pancreatitis. Canine diabetes also occurs in association with corticosteroid therapy, hyperadrenocorticism, and progesterone-induced acromegaly. In entire bitches, a form analogous to human gestational diabetes can occur during diestrus orpregnancy.
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