Post by Dawn - Admin on Apr 20, 2006 18:39:13 GMT
What is diabetes?
From The American Diabetes Association Website: "Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life."
There are two types of Diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce any insulin. It is usually diagnosed in juvenile guinea pigs (under 1 year of age). This type of diabetes always requires insulin to treat.
- Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It is usually diagnosed in adult guinea pigs (1 year of age or more).
In corresponding with dozens of owners of diabetic piggies, I've learned that most guinea pigs develop Type 2, non-insulin dependent diabetes. Another oddity about diabetes in piggies is that remissions are common. An informal survey I took suggested that as many as 1/3 of diabetic piggies eventually regain the ability to regulate glucose without medication.
Warning symptoms of diabetes in Guinea Pigs
The most common symptoms noticed by guinea pig owners are:
- rapid formation of cataracts
- chronic wet bottom
- frequent urinary tract infections (UTI)
Other symptoms may include:
- excessive thirst
- excessive urination
- weight loss in spite of healthy appetite
Note that an individual guinea pig may only display one or two of the warning signs. If you notice any of these symptoms, have the piggie checked by a vet.
Insulin treatment
Piggies with Type 1, insulin dependent diabetes must be treated with insulin injections. Many owners are able to successfully give their guinea pig insulin shots, and the piggie lives a normal, healthy life as a result.
Oral medication
Many guinea pigs with Type 2, non-insulin dependent diabetes respond very well to Oral Medication. In Canada, the drug is called glyburide; in the US, it's called glipizide. These piggies can also be treated with insulin.
Diet restrictions for diabetic Guinea Pigs
Diet changes we made include the following:
- no treats with added sugar, though we were allowed to continue providing a small quantity of fresh fruit or unsweetened juice every day
- no high-fat foods such as seeds and corn
- increased fibre in the form of unlimited quantities of hay -- reduce the amount of green food to encourage them to eat more hay
With thanks to: http://Cutiecavies Members.shaw.ca/patriciasimon/diabetes.htm
From The American Diabetes Association Website: "Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life."
There are two types of Diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce any insulin. It is usually diagnosed in juvenile guinea pigs (under 1 year of age). This type of diabetes always requires insulin to treat.
- Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It is usually diagnosed in adult guinea pigs (1 year of age or more).
In corresponding with dozens of owners of diabetic piggies, I've learned that most guinea pigs develop Type 2, non-insulin dependent diabetes. Another oddity about diabetes in piggies is that remissions are common. An informal survey I took suggested that as many as 1/3 of diabetic piggies eventually regain the ability to regulate glucose without medication.
Warning symptoms of diabetes in Guinea Pigs
The most common symptoms noticed by guinea pig owners are:
- rapid formation of cataracts
- chronic wet bottom
- frequent urinary tract infections (UTI)
Other symptoms may include:
- excessive thirst
- excessive urination
- weight loss in spite of healthy appetite
Note that an individual guinea pig may only display one or two of the warning signs. If you notice any of these symptoms, have the piggie checked by a vet.
Insulin treatment
Piggies with Type 1, insulin dependent diabetes must be treated with insulin injections. Many owners are able to successfully give their guinea pig insulin shots, and the piggie lives a normal, healthy life as a result.
Oral medication
Many guinea pigs with Type 2, non-insulin dependent diabetes respond very well to Oral Medication. In Canada, the drug is called glyburide; in the US, it's called glipizide. These piggies can also be treated with insulin.
Diet restrictions for diabetic Guinea Pigs
Diet changes we made include the following:
- no treats with added sugar, though we were allowed to continue providing a small quantity of fresh fruit or unsweetened juice every day
- no high-fat foods such as seeds and corn
- increased fibre in the form of unlimited quantities of hay -- reduce the amount of green food to encourage them to eat more hay
With thanks to: http://Cutiecavies Members.shaw.ca/patriciasimon/diabetes.htm
