Diabetic animals are unable to process the sugars in the blood used for energy, due to limited (or lack of) a hormone called insulin. Insulin is produced in the pancreas, as are the digestive enzymes. Possible causes of Diabetes Mellitus in animals: Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), autoimmune destruction of the pancreas, and genetics. Diabetes is a fairly common endocrine disorder of middle-aged dogs and cats. Some dog breeds (i.e. poodles, schnauzers) have a higher incidence of this disease.

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