Pet Diabetes Month is observed every year in November. This month is dedicated to spreading awareness about this lifelong condition of diabetes, which affects approximately one in 300 adult dogs and one in 230 cats in the United States. Diabetes is a condition that keeps pets from producing or utilizing insulin, which prevents the conversion of food to energy. This makes sugar remain in the blood which results in lethargy and other health-related complications. Diabetes has no cure, but it can be controlled via medication and lifestyle practices.
History of Pet Diabetes Month
Diabetes has been around for a long time, but the first known mention of symptoms of diabetes was in 1552 B.C., when Hesy-Ra, an Egyptian physician, documented frequent urination as a symptom of a mysterious disease. Ancient healers noted that ants seemed to attract the urine of people who had this disease. In 150 A.D., the Greek physician Arateus described diabetes as “the melting down of flesh and limbs into urine.”In 1889, Joseph von Mering and Oskar Minkowski showed that removing the pancreas from a dog produces diabetes. This was the first demonstration that anti-diabetic factor was produced by the pancreas which enabled the body to use sugars in the blood properly. In 1915, this factor was named insulin by Schafer. Modern treatment of diabetes made significant advancements from the 1920s with the purification of insulin. In 1921, the surgeon Frederick Banting and Charles Best started attempting to produce insulin. They were able to show that pancreatic extracts reduced blood sugar.James Collip joined them and was soon able to prepare insulin from the beef pancreas, which was able to treat diabetic patients. His methods were used successfully in dogs and then in patients in 1922 with successful results. Banting won the Nobel Prize for his efforts and work on insulin in 1923, and World Diabetes Day is held each year on November 14, on Banting’s birthday.
Pet Diabetes Month timeline
Diabetes has been around for a long time, but the first known mention of symptoms of diabetes is in 1552 B.C., when Hesy-Ra, an Egyptian physician, documents frequent urination as a symptom of a mysterious disease.
In 1889, Joseph von Mering and Oskar Minkowski show that removing the pancreas from dogs produces diabetes.
In 1915, this factor is named insulin by Schafer.
James Collip is able to prepare insulin from the beef pancreas, which is able to treat diabetic patients.
Pet Diabetes Month FAQs
Can pet diabetes be cured?
It cannot be cured, but it can be managed.
Do all diabetic dogs go blind?
Around 75% of diabetic dogs can go blind.
Does diabetes shorten a dog’s life span?
If treated properly, it does not necessarily shorten the lifespan or decrease the quality of life.
How to Observe Pet Diabetes Month
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Research and read up
Research what causes diabetes in pets and what can be done to prevent it. Do your part as a pet owner and protect your fur babies.
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Spread awareness
Spread awareness about the grave condition of pets with diabetes and what can be done to make their condition better. Spread the message to the masses and help others.
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Take care of pets
Take proper care of your pets, which will help them live a healthy and longer life. With your help, your fur babies will live a longer and happier life.
5 Facts About Pets
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Prevalence of diabetes in female dogs
One in 500 dogs gets diabetes with the common age of diagnosis being seven to nine years, and female dogs are three times more likely to have diabetes than males.
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Obesity in cats is a risk factor
Obese cats are four times more likely to get diabetes, and male cats are at a higher risk than females.
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Certain breeds are more at risk
Certain breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Pugs, Bichon Frises, and Labrador Retrievers are more at risk of diabetes.
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Excessive thirst and urination
Symptoms such as excessive thirst, urination, and ravenous appetite with weight loss can be symptoms of diabetes in pets.
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Regular exercise can reduce the risk
Regular exercise and having a lead body condition reduce the risk of diabetes.
Why Pet Diabetes Month is Important
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It spreads awareness
This month is observed to spread awareness about the health of pets. It is a month to get together and collectively help all pets.
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It is a month for pets
It is a month for the community to get together and help the pets. Pets are a part of the family and need to be looked after like it too.
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It concerns pet’s health
This month we spread awareness about the impact of diabetes on pets. It also sheds light on how to prevent it and ways to control it.
Pet Diabetes Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 1 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | November 1 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | November 1 | Friday |
| 2025 | November 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
