Cats, dogs and humans are all mammals. Each of us has a pancreas that produces a range of hormones, the primary one being insulin. We have a liver, kidneys, and blood glucose is converted into energy in the digestive system. The blood stream moves it to the muscles. In the muscles and brain, it is used for energy. We have hydration and nutrition needs and a need for sleep. Although our sleep rhythms differ, we all pass through different stages of sleep – non-REM and REM sleep cycles for example.
Each species has instances of Type 1 Diabetes, and can develop Type 2 Diabetes for pretty much the same reasons. Risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes are for the most part, the same in all three species. The cycles of Preventing and Reversing Type 2 Diabetes are almost identical among cats, dogs, and humans. In Canada it is estimated that:
Treatment for diabetes in cats and dogs is very similar. Insulin therapy with insulin injections with insulin intended for animals is the gold standard for treating Diabetes in cats and dogs. There are experiments with diluting human insulin which are not discussed. True, there are oral medications for cats and dogs, similar to Metformin in humans but they have not been as successful in cats and dogs as in humans.
[1] T. M. McCann, K. E. Simpson, D. J. Shaw, J. A. Butt, and D. A. Gunn-Moore, “Feline Diabetes Mellitus in the Uk: The Prevalence within an Insured Cat Population and a Questionnaire-Based Putative Risk Factor Analysis,” J Feline Med Surg 9, no. 4 (2007).
[2] Merck Animal Health, “Diabetes in Pets,” (2026).
Testing for blood sugar levels is conducted similarly. Blood is drawn from the lips or ear and tested using standard blood glucose meters, with results interpreted for the specific species. This can be done in a veterinarian’s office or at home. Some pet owners are experimenting with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and tubeless insulin pumps intended for humans to monitor their pets’ blood sugar levels and administer insulin automatically[1]. The GluCurve PET CGM[2] is specifically designed for cats and dogs, although the insulin must be injected manually.
Understanding diabetes, in all it phases, impact, on you, and your pet, treatment requirements, and management are key to ensuring your pet enjoys a full, enjoyable, and active life.
[1] C. E. Wiedmeyer and A. E. DeClue, “Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Dogs and Cats,” Journal of veterinary internal medicine22, no. 1 (2008).
[2] GluCurve Pet CGM, “Glucurve Pet Cgm,” (2026).
