Diabetes

Common Causes: 

Age: While diabetes can occur at any age, it mostly occurs in middle-aged to senior dogs. Most dogs who develop it are age 5 or older when diagnosed.
Gender: Unspayed female dogs are twice as likely as male dogs to have diabetes. Chronic or repeated pancreatitis: Chronic or repeated pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can eventually cause extensive damage to the pancreas, resulting in diabetes. Obesity: Obesity contributes to insulin resistance and is a risk factor for pancreatitis, which can lead to diabetes. Steroid medications: These can cause diabetes when used long-term. Cushing’s disease: With Cushing’s disease, the body overproduces steroids internally, so this condition also can cause diabetes. Other health conditions: Some autoimmune disorders and viral diseases are also thought to possibly trigger diabetes. Genetics: Diabetes can occur in any breed or mixed-breed, and it seems genetics can play a role in either increased or reduced risk. A 2003 study found that overall, mixed-breeds are no less prone to diabetes than are purebreds. Among purebreds, breeds vary in susceptibility, some with very low risk and others with higher risk

Holistically treating Diabetes:

Diabetes is a complicated disease and is different in every animal. Regular testing is essential in determining what works best for your companion. Your dog may need some level of insulin support. It is important to feed your pet a diet that is low in high glycemic index foods. Incorporating vitamin E and essential fatty acid supplements into the diet can enhance glucose metabolism in diabetics.