2010年3月12日 星期五

Diabetes Mellitus Part 1

Diabetes mellitus is the correct term used to describe the medical condition that is commonly known as "sugar diabetes". "Diabetes" is a general term used to refer to a variety of disorders characterized by increased urine production (or polyuria) and increased water intake (or polydipsia). It is derived from the Greek words dia which means "through" and bainein which means "go". The term "mellitus" is derived from the Latin word mel which means "honey".
Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism caused by a deficiency of the hormone, insulin. The pancreas is a small but vital organ that is located near the stomach. It consists of several types of cells. One group of cells called acinar cells produce the enzymes necessary for proper digestion. Another group, called beta-cells, produce insulin. Simply put, diabetes mellitus is a failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar.
There are essentially two forms of diabetes mellitus. Both types are similar in that there is a failure to regulate blood sugar, but the basic mechanisms of disease differ somewhat between the two groups:
Type I, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
results from very low or absent insulin secretion secondary to the total or near-total destruction of the beta-cells
this is the most common form of diabetes mellitus seen in dogs and cats
Type II, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
in this form the beta-cells are present but the amount of insulin they produce is reduced or there is a delayed response in secreting it, or the muscle, fat and other tissues become "resistant" to insulin's effect
this form is only rarely diagnosed in dogs and cats
up to 40% of cats with Type II diabetes mellitus will regain the ability to control their blood glucose level and require no further treatment but this may take months to years, during which period treatment is required
Why is insulin so important?
Insulin is required by muscles, fat tissue and the liver to utilise the carbohydrates, proteins and fats ingested in the diet.
The role of insulin is much like that of a gatekeeper: it stands at the surface of body cells and opens the door, allowing glucose to leave the blood stream and pass inside the cells. Glucose is a vital substance that provides much of the energy needed for life, and it must work inside the cells. Without an adequate amount of insulin, glucose is unable to get into the cells and it accumulates in the blood, leading to high blood sugar or hyperglycaemia. When insulin is deficient, the cells become starved for a source of energy. In response to this, the body starts to breakdown stores of fat and protein to use as alternative energy sources. This leads to a series of metabolic changes that result in the signs of diabetes mellitus developing.
How common is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a relatively common disorder and is diagnosed in approximately 1 in every 400 to 500 dogs and cats.
Is my pet at risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is the correct term used to describe the medical condition that is commonly known as "sugar diabetes". "Diabetes" is a general term used to refer to a variety of disorders characterized by increased urine production (or polyuria) and increased water intake (or polydipsia). It is derived from the Greek words dia which means "through" and bainein which means "go". The term "mellitus" is derived from the Latin word mel which means "honey".
Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism caused by a deficiency of the hormone, insulin. The pancreas is a small but vital organ that is located near the stomach. It consists of several types of cells. One group of cells called acinar cells produce the enzymes necessary for proper digestion. Another group, called beta-cells, produce insulin. Simply put, diabetes mellitus is a failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar.
There are essentially two forms of diabetes mellitus. Both types are similar in that there is a failure to regulate blood sugar, but the basic mechanisms of disease differ somewhat between the two groups:
Type I, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
results from very low or absent insulin secretion secondary to the total or near-total destruction of the beta-cells
this is the most common form of diabetes mellitus seen in dogs and cats
Type II, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
in this form the beta-cells are present but the amount of insulin they produce is reduced or there is a delayed response in secreting it, or the muscle, fat and other tissues become "resistant" to insulin's effect
this form is only rarely diagnosed in dogs and cats
up to 40% of cats with Type II diabetes mellitus will regain the ability to control their blood glucose level and require no further treatment but this may take months to years, during which period treatment is required
Why is insulin so important?
Insulin is required by muscles, fat tissue and the liver to utilise the carbohydrates, proteins and fats ingested in the diet.
The role of insulin is much like that of a gatekeeper: it stands at the surface of body cells and opens the door, allowing glucose to leave the blood stream and pass inside the cells. Glucose is a vital substance that provides much of the energy needed for life, and it must work inside the cells. Without an adequate amount of insulin, glucose is unable to get into the cells and it accumulates in the blood, leading to high blood sugar or hyperglycaemia. When insulin is deficient, the cells become starved for a source of energy. In response to this, the body starts to breakdown stores of fat and protein to use as alternative energy sources. This leads to a series of metabolic changes that result in the signs of diabetes mellitus developing.
How common is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a relatively common disorder and is diagnosed in approximately 1 in every 400 to 500 dogs and cats.
Is my pet at risk of developing Diabetes Mellitus?
It is known that certain breeds of dogs have a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus than others. These include the Poodle, Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, Beagle, King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Scottish Terrier, Miniature Pinscher and Cairn Terrier. Diabetes mellitus in the Keeshond is an inherited condition ie. is passed from one generation to the next.
No apparent breed predilections have been noted in cats.
Female dogs are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus twice as much as male dogs. Male cats (particularly desexed) are more likely to develop the disorder than female cats.
The average age of dogs that develop diabetes mellitus is 8 years. It is rare for dogs under 6 months of age to become diabetic. 75% of cats that are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus are 8 to 13 years of age.
Overweight dogs and cats have a higher risk of suffering from diabetes mellitus.

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