Diabetes mellitus strikes 1 in 400 cats and a similar number of dogs. Causes are still being studied. Symptoms in dogs and cats are similar to those in humans. Generally, most dogs and about half of cats experience type-1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, or at least that's what we see by the time we notice symptoms. The condition is definitely treatable, and need not shorten the animal's life span or life quality. In cats, prompt effective treatment can even lead to diabetic remission, in which the cat, on a controlled diet, no longer needs injected insulin.
Caring for a diabetic cat or dog requires a commitment to be there twice a day, and to give insulin shots. It does not require the constant intervention of a vet, nor long hospital stays, except when there are complications. Monthly diabetic expenses are on the order of $50-100 per month.[1], not the much higher prices many vets may quote.
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