World Diabetes Day! 14th November

Did you know that diabetes doesn’t only affect humans? Dogs and cats can also suffer from this disease, and World Diabetes Day is marked on the 14th of November to raise awareness internationally.   

With the right care, dogs and cats with diabetes can live long, happy lives, and the team from Bellarine Veterinary Practice in Geelong are passionate about supporting you and your diabetic pet every step of the way with compassion, expertise, and practical support. 

Common Signs of Diabetes in Pets 

• Drinking more water and urinating more 

• Weight loss despite a good appetite 

• Lethargy or weakness 

• Cloudy eyes/cataracts (especially in dogs) 

• Recurring infections, such as urinary tract infections 

The key to good management of this illness is early diagnosis, consistent monitoring, and a tailored treatment plan.  

What Is Diabetes? 

Diabetes in pets (just like in humans) is a manageable condition. Diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats is caused by a deficiency or resistance to insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. Without enough insulin, or when the body doesn’t respond to it properly, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being used by cells for energy. 

There are two main types of diabetes in pets: 

• Type 1 (Insulin-dependent diabetes): This is the most common form in dogs. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, often due to immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing beta cells or damage from chronic pancreatitis. 

• Type 2 (Insulin-resistant diabetes): More common in cats, especially overweight ones. In this form, the pancreas may produce insulin, but the body cells don’t respond to it effectively. 

Several factors contribute to the development of diabetes in pets including genetics, obesity, pancreatic damage, increasing age and hormonal changes.

Diabetic Management 

The thought of having a pet with diabetes might seem frightening and overwhelming at first and you might be worried about giving injections, monitoring blood glucose, or the cost of treatment. These are all valid concerns, and we are here to guide and support you.  

For most diabetic pets, regular insulin injections are essential.  We understand that injecting your pet can be daunting, so our friendly nurses offer hands-on tutorials and ongoing encouragement. We’ll show you how to administer insulin safely and confidently, and we’re always here to answer your questions.  

Recently a new SGLT2 inhibitor oral treatment has also become available for use in non-insulin dependent diabetic feline patients, which is exciting!

We offer regular nurse wellness checks for stable diabetics, and advice on diet and at-home monitoring options to help you feel confident and supported. In addition, our team manages the application and setup of Freestyle Libre sensors, including ongoing data interpretation and dose adjustments—making monitoring easier and less stressful for both you and your pet. 

“The Daisy Project” 

For those who want even more personalised support, we’re proud to offer The Daisy Project, a unique diabetic pet support program exclusive to Bellarine Vets – set up and led by one of our experienced and dedicated nurses, Mel.  

Named after Mel’s beloved diabetic dog, The Daisy Project provides a structured, compassionate framework for managing your pet’s diabetes, including: 

• Regular nurse consultations 

• Tailored monitoring schedules 

• Emotional and practical support 

• Help with injections, diet, and sensor setup 

At Bellarine Veterinary Practice, our goal is to provide expert advice and make diabetes management accessible and sustainable for every pet owner.  

Mel works between our Barwon Heads and Newcomb clinics but is also available to help our Drysdale, Ocean Grove, Grovedale and Point Lonsdale clients.  

We’re here to help 

Whether your pet has signs of diabetes, has just been diagnosed or you’re looking for better ways to manage their condition and are interested in The Daisy Project, we’re here to help support you and your pet.

Call us on (03) 5254 2434 or click here to book an appointment today.