Diabetes is a common condition in both humans and pets that occurs when the body cannot use glucose normally. It is a chronic condition that requires regular monitoring, vet check-ups, blood and urine tests, and more to treat. Pet insurance plans that cover illnesses can typically help cover the costs related to diabetes in pets.
Before understanding which costs pet insurance can help cover, let's talk a bit more about the condition itself.
What is Diabetes in Dogs and Cats?
Insulin is a hormone that helps the body convert glucose (sugar) into energy. The pancreas is where this hormone is produced. When the beta cells that produce insulin are lost or damaged, the body struggles with using glucose efficiently. This condition is called ‘diabetes’. (1)
There are 2 types of diabetes –
Type 1 (yes, they’ve kept the terms very simple this time) – When the pancreas cannot manufacture insulin at all and the body is reliant on external administration of the hormone.
Type 2 – The pancreas can manufacture insulin, but the body does not respond to it.
There are studies that say that diabetes in dogs and cats may not necessarily be restricted to one of the two above types but can rather be on a spectrum.
What causes Diabetes in pets?
While diabetes is usually a genetic condition, there are multiple factors that can increase the chances of the pet getting affected by it. These include – (2)
Obesity
Skin infections
Long-term use of steroids or progestin
Apart from these, certain factors increase the chances of diabetes specifically in dogs. These include –
The conditions that can increase a cats risk of developing diabetes include –
Amyloidosis
Hyperthyroidism
Diabetes in dogs and cats can occur at any age. However, it is more prevalent in older pets. Female dogs are twice as susceptible to it than male dogs. It is also common in certain dog breeds like the Australian Terrier, Beagle, and Samoyed. (1)
What are the signs of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats?
Diabetes causes elevated levels of blood sugar in the bloodstream that spills over into the urine. This causes some predictable and noticeable clinical signs that include – (1) (2)
Increased urination and hence, thirst – The glucose in the blood stops the kidneys from effectively retaining the water in the bloodstream
Increased hunger – The fact that the body cannot convert sugar into energy leaves the affected pet hungry all the time.
Weight loss – There is more sugar in the bloodstream and increased intake of food, but the affected body cannot process the calories consumed, leading to weight loss
Lethargy and weakness
Cloudy eyes – Diabetes is one of the leading causes of cataracts in dogs
Recurring infections – Especially urinary tract and skin infections
Changed stance – Usually with ankles touching the ground
Poor coat condition
Abnormal gait in cats
It is very important to keep an eye out for any of the above signs, as diabetes, if left untreated, can lead to severe medical issues in the body. They can include liver dysfunction and even a life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis.
Diabetes can be confirmed using standard bloodwork and urinalysis. Elevated blood sugar level is the primary condition that indicates it. The presence of glucose in urine can also confirm it.
How is Diabetes treated in Pets?
The primary treatment for diabetes in pets (even in humans) is insulin injections. Some pet parents worry about administering the injections, but as they see the tiny size of the needle, they quickly learn that the pets don’t really mind them.
While insulin does its job, it is extremely important to maintain body weight, blood sugar levels, and overall nutrition. The vet may prescribe a specific diet in case the pet is dealing with other conditions such as obesity or pancreatitis. Managing stress levels is also an important part of the treatment as it can affect the blood sugar level.
Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance
Pros
- Customize a plan to fit your pet and wallet
- Get up to 90% cash back on covered vet bills
- 24/7 access to a pet telehealth helpline
- No networks - visit any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada
- Pets never age out of coverage
Cons
- Coverage starts after a 14-day waiting period
- Reimbursement starts after the deductible is met
- Pet insurance does not cover grooming or breeding
- Pet insurance cannot cover pre-existing conditions
- Pets have to be 8 weeks or older to enroll
How much does it cost to treat Diabetes in Dogs?
For most cases, the total cost of treatment includes the cost of insulin and diet changes. Insulin may cost around $40-$150 per month depending on the type of insulin used. The total cost of treatment including all the blood work and therapies may reach up to $2500 per year. (3)
(Yes, pet insurance can help cover diabetes if it is not a pre-existing condition and if the condition develops after the waiting period)
How much does it cost to treat Diabetes in Cats?
The insulin cost for diabetic cats can be in the range of $30-$150 depending on the dosage and the type of insulin. Apart from that, supplies for testing the cat’s blood sugar level, follow-up vet visits, prescription diet, etc. can cost another $150-$200 per month. (5)
Diabetes can lead to other illnesses, and cataracts are one of the most common ones. Cataract surgery can cost you anywhere between $2800-$4200 depending on factors like type of surgery (phacoemulsification or extracapsular), level of complexity, location, and mainly the number of eyes affected. (4)
Does pet insurance cover diabetes?
Yes, pet insurance does help cover diabetes as long as it is not a pre-existing condition, and the waiting period of the policy is over before the pet develops the condition. With Spot pet insurance, you can get reimbursed up to 90% of the costs related to prescription diets, follow-up vet visits, bloodwork, medications and more.
More about Spot Pet Insurance
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
Creative manager by day, pet enthusiast all the time! After 19 years with my dog (hopefully he wins the award for oldest pet in the world), I enjoy spending my days brainstorming tail-wagging content, and sniffing out the latest trends in the pet world.
As Spot’s resident cat enthusiast, I am dedicated to researching and sharing information that helps pet owners take the best care of their pets. Pet ownership comes with it’s share of challenges, but my goal is to help make this journey easier.
Vogelsang, J., DVM. (2022, August 24). Diabetes in Dogs and cats: Everything you need to know. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/diabetes-dogs-and-cats-everything-you-need-know
Diabetes in pets. (n.d.). American Veterinary Medical Association. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/diabetes-pets
Vmd, L. J. (2024, March 11). Diabetes in dogs. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/diabetes-dogs
Morris, M. S. (2023, April 3). Dog cataract surgery: Breaking down the costs. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/cataract-surgery-cost
Layne, M. (2024, September 2). What’s the Cost of Cat Insulin in 2024? Price Guide & FAQ. Catster. https://www.catster.com/nutrition/cat-insulin-cost/
