Britain's obesity epidemic is now affecting your pets! Now there are nearly 36,000 dogs with type 2 diabetes because they are overweight

  • Nearly four out of every 1,000 dogs in the UK are now battling the condition
  • In comparison, the rate of type 2 diabetes among dogs was just 3.4 in 2014
  • Diabetes experts have today slammed the surge of cases, shown in a report

Britain's obesity epidemic has triggered a surge in the number of dogs diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, experts have warned.

Damning figures suggest nearly four out of every 1,000 dogs in the UK, roughly 35,600, are now battling the condition. 

In contrast, the rate of type 2 diabetes among dogs was just 3.4 in 2014, according to estimates published by leading vets.

Diabetes experts have today slammed the surge, warning it is 'clear proof' bulging waistlines are to blame and that owners are killing their pets with kindness.  

She may look adorable. But Hatty's chubby frame has left her at a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes

She may look adorable. But Hatty's chubby frame has left her at a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes

According to the latest available statistics from the Royal Veterinary College in 2016, 3.6 out of every 1,000 dogs had developed the condition.

But a firm which compiled the statistics in a new report fears this is likely to have risen even further because of Britain's obesity crisis.

Chris Chapman, group director of GlucoRx, warned it was likely that the figure is now 'much closer to four - or even higher'.

He told MailOnline: 'These figures are clear proof Britain's obesity epidemic, which is only getting worse, is having an effect on our pets.

'They may be known as man's best friend but that doesn't mean poor eating habits and laziness should be passed down onto them.

'It is unfair on them to be diagnosed with the condition, which could claim their life or even see them need amputations because of complications.'

The data was compiled in the first ever 'Diabetes in Dogs' report, by Guildford-based company GlucoRx.

It estimates a total of 542,900 dogs in the UK are obese – a known driver of type 2 diabetes in both humans and animals.

Data from the campaign group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) suggests there are 8.9million dogs living in the UK.

Number-crunching in the report estimated that this meant 32,040 hounds across the home nations had type 2 diabetes in 2016 - up from 30,260 in 2014.

THE OVERWEIGHT NORFOLK TERRIER THAT IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING TYPE 2 DIABETES 

She may look adorable.

But Hatty's chubby frame has left her at a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes.

The Norfolk Terrier, who is nine years old, tips the scales at a hefty 2st 9lbs - double her recommended weight.

Her owner, who suffers with dementia, is using one of the new meters to keep tabs on Hatty's blood sugar levels.

The owner's daughter, from Northamptonshire, is now using one of the new GlucoRx meters to keep tabs on her blood sugar levels.

The Norfolk Terrier, who is nine years old, tips the scales at a hefty 2st 9lbs - double her recommended weight

The Norfolk Terrier, who is nine years old, tips the scales at a hefty 2st 9lbs - double her recommended weight

She explained: 'She doesn't like waste and feeds the dog all her left overs as well as tit bits. 

'My mother is overweight and so is Hatty. She is her closest companion, who she loves dearly but just doesn't realise what she is doing due to memory loss.

'She's a happy dog and does go for walks to the park – the problem is she can't walk far. 

'It will be interesting to see what the glucometer reveals, it will be good to know if she has type 2 diabetes, then we'll take it from there.'

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In response to the damning figures, Guildford-based GlucoRx has launched a blood glucose meter specifically calibrated for dogs and cats.

A survey of hundreds of vets conducted by a pharmaceutical company earlier this month revealed that one in every 200 cats has type 2 diabetes. 

Blood glucose meters originally designed for humans are often used by pet owners to measure dogs, despite being inaccurate. 

GlucoRx group director Chris Chapman told MailOnline blood glucose concentration can be much higher in dogs than humans.

He said: 'If human blood glucose meters are used for pets, the meter will calculate the glucose level based on human blood composition.'

Mr Chapman warned this could lead to underestimated results – meaning vets could miss type 2 diabetes, which can prove fatal, in dogs. 

In response to the damning figures, Guildford-based GlucoRx has launched a blood glucose meter specifically calibrated for dogs and cats

In response to the damning figures, Guildford-based GlucoRx has launched a blood glucose meter specifically calibrated for dogs and cats

WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition which causes a person's blood sugar to get too high.

More than 4million people in the UK are thought to have some form of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with being overweight and you may be more likely to get it if it's in the family.

The condition means the body does not react properly to insulin – the hormone which controls absorption of sugar into the blood – and cannot properly regulate sugar glucose levels in the blood.

Excess fat in the liver increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as the buildup makes it harder to control glucose levels, and also makes the body more resistant to insulin. 

Weight loss is the key to reducing liver fat and getting symptoms under control.

Symptoms include tiredness, feeling thirsty, and frequent urination.

It can lead to more serious problems with nerves, vision and the heart.

Treatment usually involves changing your diet and lifestyle, but more serious cases may require medication.

Source: NHS Choices; Diabetes.co.uk

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One of the major reasons why the meters are inaccurate in dogs is because the distribution of glucose is different between humans and animals.

For instance, around 60 per cent of glucose in humans is located in their plasma - the main part of blood. This figure is around 90 per cent for dogs.

Pet glucometers, as they are known, already exist. But GlucoRx is hoping to raise more awareness about the need for accurate results in dogs. 

Mr Chapman said ensuring dogs get the right blood glucose results could 'boost their longevity'.  

Mr Chapman added: 'Pets are increasingly being treated as a member of the family and, without realising, owners are killing them with kindness.

'Some common human foods are toxic to pets and even those that aren't can cause harm in terms of providing extra calories that lead to weight gain and obesity.' 

Britain was earlier this summer named and shamed as the third fattest nation in the EU, with two thirds of adults deemed overweight.

Obesity is known to raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease, stroke, dementia, joint and back problems and cancer.

Often thought of as harmless, type 2 diabetes is a hidden killer and can lead to heart failure, blindness, kidney disease and leg amputations.

Figures suggest there are 380million sufferers worldwide. In Britain this has topped 3.8million, an amount that continues to rise.

Children as young as nine in Britain are now even being treated for the condition, proven to be reversible by losing weight, as a consequence of the obesity crisis.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by having too much glucose in the blood because the body's way of turning it into energy is not working properly.

As the condition progresses, sufferers often need to maintain a healthy diet, exercise and a combination of medications to manage it.

Controlling blood sugar levels are also considered to be the key to reducing the risk of life-changing complications for those already diagnosed.  

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR DIABETES PATIENTS TO MEASURE THEIR GLUCOSE LEVELS?

Diabetes is a serious life-long condition that occurs when the amount of sugar in the blood is too high because the body can't use it properly.

Patients have to regular monitor their glucose levels to prevent them from developing any potentially fatal complications.

Type 1 diabetes patients are often recommended to test their blood sugar at least four times a day. For type 2 patients, doctors advise to test twice a day.

Blood glucose levels should be between the ranges of 3.5–5.5mmol/L before meals and less than 8mmol/L, two hours after meals.

Diabetes patients have to regular monitor their glucose levels to prevent them from developing any potentially fatal complications

Diabetes patients have to regular monitor their glucose levels to prevent them from developing any potentially fatal complications

Hypoglycemia (when blood sugar drops below 4 mmol/L) can occasionally lead to patients falling into comas in severe cases.

However, it most often can be treated through eating or drinking 15-20g of fast acting carbohydrate, such 200ml of Lucozade Energy Original.

Sufferers can tell they are experiencing a hypo when they suddenly feel tired, have difficulty concentrating or feel dizzy.

Type 1 diabetes patients are more likely to experience a hypo, because of the medications they take, including insulin.

Hyperglycemia (when blood sugar is above 11.0 mmol/L two hours after a meal) can also have life-threatening complications.

It happens when the body either has too little insulin, seen in type 1, or it can't use its supply properly, most often in type 2.

In the short-term, it can lead to conditions including ketoacidosis - which causes ketones to be released into the body. 

If left untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to long-term complications, such as impotence and amputations of limbs.

Regular exercise can help to lower blood sugar levels over time, and following a healthy diet and proper meal planning can also avoid dangerous spikes.  

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