Complications of diabetes mellitus in dogs

The long-term complications of diabetes mellitus are a result of prolonged high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia).

Obtaining optimal control of blood glucose helps to minimise the long-term complications of diabetes mellitus.

Diabetic cataracts

This is the most common complication of diabetes in dogs.

A cataract is the lens of the eye becoming opaque, resulting in blindness in the affected eye or eyes.

What causes diabetic cataracts?

Excess glucose in the bloodstream causes changes in the lens of the eye. Water diffuses into the lens causing swelling and disruption of the lens structure. This results in the opacity that is seen.

Treatment

If a cataract is present, the lens of the eye can be removed surgically to restore vision. Control of high blood glucose concentrations may help prevent or delay the onset of diabetic cataracts.