You can’t predict every medical challenge your pet will face in life, but you can take meaningful steps to prevent some chronic conditions, including diabetes. November is National Pet Diabetes Month, so Advanced Veterinary Care of Greenwood Village is bringing information about what to do if your pet is at risk. Diabetes in pets isn’t always preventable, but many risk factors are manageable with awareness and the right care.

Why Diabetes Develops in Pets

Diabetes in cats and dogs occurs when the body struggles to regulate blood sugar, either from not producing enough insulin or not using it effectively. While genetics and certain illnesses can play a role in the development of diabetes, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can tip the scale by leading to weight gain. For example, cats with obesity are up to four times more likely to develop diabetes than those at a healthy weight.

Simple Steps to Help Prevent Pet Diabetes

Keep a Healthy Weight
Obesity is a top preventable risk factor for diabetes in cats and dogs. Talk to a veterinarian about the right portion sizes and food choices based on your pet’s age and activity level.

Prioritize Regular Exercise
A daily walk or indoor playtime can improve metabolism and regulate blood sugar. If your pet hasn’t been exercising much, ask a vet for some safe low-impact activities.

Choose a Balanced Diet
Many commercial foods aren’t nutritionally balanced, or simply don’t have the right nutrition for your specific pet. Bring a picture of the label to an annual veterinary visit to ask about nutritional value. And think about taking pictures of treat labels, too! The right diet contributes to healthy weight and can prevent other issues that may contribute to diabetes later on.

Schedule Annual Wellness Exams
Veterinary practices, like Advanced Veterinary Care of Greenwood Village, perform wellness check-ups that can include nutritional counseling and monitoring your pet’s weight trends over time. If your vet suggests annual diagnostics for your pet, say yes! Lab work, like a blood test and urinalysis, can be an early screening for diabetes indicators, and they set a baseline for what “normal” looks like for your pet.

If Your Pet Still Develops Diabetes, Don’t Blame Yourself

While prevention is powerful, it’s not always a guarantee. Some pets develop diabetes despite the best care, simply due to age, genetics, and non-preventable diseases. If that happens to your animal companion, know this: it’s not your fault. What matters is how you respond. Work with your pet’s veterinarian to come up with a treatment plan that will give your pet a great life, even with diabetes.

Diagnosing Pet Diabetes in Greenwood Village, CO

Your pet relies on you to keep them healthy, and you can rely on us to make that easier. Preventing diabetes starts with small, intentional habits that add up over time. Advanced Veterinary Care of Greenwood Village has guidance and pet diabetes testing in Greenwood Village for dogs and cats from Denver, Centennial, and nearby Colorado areas. Is your pet due for a wellness check or nutrition review? Schedule an appointment at Advanced Veterinary Care of Greenwood Village.