Diabetes mellitus or commonly known as DM is a disorder that is being caused due to deficiency of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produce by a beta cells of islet of langerhans present in the pancreas. Insulin is very much required in the body to regulate the sugar imbalance in the body. Almost all the food material that we ingest eventually break down into three forms i.e. carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Carbohydrates again broke down into glucose and certain other compounds. If insulin does not act accordingly sugar will remains in our blood stream and ultimately passes out through urine.

This condition in the body leads to excess of urination and thirst. Appetite also increases. The reason behind the increase of appetite is that body is unable to assimilate sugar for its utilization to produce energy and our body demands more energy which leads to the stimulation of the hunger center situated in our brain. As diabetes progresses, chemicals known as ketones accumulate, resulting in conditions like vomiting and dehydration. Sooner or later coma and then death happens in untreated animals. Diabetes is not a curable disease, but with proper medical administration and care, the disease can be restricted. Even though it is not the most common of dog diseases, but cases are regularly being seen.

Causes of diabetes in dogs

There can be various causes that can cause diabetes in dogs but below are the most commonly seen causes of diabetes

1. Pancreas producing insufficient insulin
2. Failure of the body cells to respond to insulin
3. An inability of the cells to absorb enough glucose
4. Overly high glucose levels in the blood

Complications of diabetes

1. Heart related problems
2. Hardening of the Arterial walls
3. Damage to Artery Walls
4. Elevated Cholesterol Levels
5. Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies
6. Kidney related disease
7. Low fat metabolism
8. Accumulation and Storage of Fat
9. Weight Gain

Diet in diabetes

Dogs may be fed with dry and canned foods.  Semi-moist foods should completely be evaded as they contain simple forms of glucose. Better glucose control may occur with the use of superior fiber and lower calorie diets. As much as possible light diet should be given.  Ask your veterinary doctor for more information. For dogs that eat their food quickly, feeding fifty percent of the food at a time of each insulin injection is suggested. For dogs that chew all through the day, a small dose of canned food can be fed with each shot. To make sure that the dog is eating, it is best to present the food just prior to giving the insulin injection.

Treatment of Diabetes

Diabetes is still a very tedious disease. We are still not able to find the cure for it especially of the IDDM. But in ayurveda there are some herbs that can prove to be very effective in treating diabetes. Some of these herbs are mentioned below.

1. Bejak – An herb known as pterocarpus marsupium. This herb has been used since prehistoric times to treat diabetes and various other urine related problems. It has been a part of various ayurvedic preparations that are used in reducing the blood sugar levels in the body.
   
   
2. Karela – karela is a herb that is known world wide, for its wonderful effects on diabetes condition. This herb not only helps in maintaining the proper glucose levels in the blood but also helps in stimulating pancreas to secrete the proper amount of insulin required to maintain the blood glucose. It is also helpful in rectifying any anomalies in the digestive tract and also improves absorption of food in intestines.
   
   
3. Gurmar - Recent researches held in various Universities have shown that gurmar has the power to maintain the blood sugar level to the optimized levels. Gurmar is botanically known as Gymnema Sylvestre. It is an ayurvedic herb that has been used since ages to treat the various urine related abnormalities and also the disturbed glucose metabolism. It is also helpful in stimulating the beta cells of islet of langerhans to secret the right amount of insulin that is required for proper glucose metabolism in the body