The rate of diabetes has increased in domestic animal populations. Dogs are believed to develop a form of diabetes that is similar to type 1 diabetes in humans.

Breed seems to be a risk factor for diabetes with various breeds showing different predispositions to the disease, e.g. it seems that Samoyeds, Swedish Elkhound, Lapphund, Fox Terriers, Australian Terriers, Pugs and Poodles are at a higher risk for developing diabetes. While Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Collies and Boxers are at a lower risk for developing the disease. Cats are believed to have a form of diabetes similar to type 2 diabetes in humans, with obesity being a major risk factor.

It appears that the breed of your cat or dog may be a risk factor in developing diabetes, but what causes this predisposition is still unknown.

With the vital role of skeletal muscle in glucose regulation, and the link between fibre type and insulin sensitivity – “Does muscle physiology play a role in developing insulin resistance in domestic cats and dogs?”