November is National Diabetes Month, and on our One Health forum we're shining a light on how diabetes affects both people and our animal companions. Because health in humans, pets, and ecosystems is interconnected, it's important to consider all sides of this significant condition.
🧑 Humans: What you should know
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, here are some key points:
- Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high.
- About 38 million Americans are living with diabetes (in adults and youth).
- Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart - and is linked with certain types of cancer.
What you can DO:
- Know your risk: risk is higher if you're 35 or older, have overweight or obesity, are not physically active, have prediabetes or family history, or belong to certain racial/ethnic groups.
- Manage your "ABCs" - A = A1C (average blood glucose), B = blood pressure, C = cholesterol. Getting these in good shape helps reduce diabetes-related complications.
- Adopt healthy habits: plan healthy meals, stay active, get enough sleep, don't smoke. You don't have to do everything at once - small steps add up.
- Take your medicines as prescribed and keep in touch with your health care team.
For people, November is a great time to reflect: "Am I doing what I can to reduce risk, or if I have diabetes, to manage it well?"
🐶 🐱 Pets: Diabetes matters for them, too
Our animal-health colleagues at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) highlight that pets - especially dogs and cats - can also develop diabetes, and managing it has important implications in a One Health context.
What to watch for in pets:
- Classic signs include excessive drinking (polydipsia), increased urination (polyuria), weight loss (sometimes even with increased appetite), lethargy or weakness, recurrent infections (skin or urinary).
- Risk factors for pets: obesity, older age (many diabetic dogs are ~7–10 yrs old, many diabetic cats older than ~6 yrs), some breeds may be predisposed, and certain medications (like long-term steroids) can increase risk.
Managing diabetes in pets:
- With appropriate treatment - diet, exercise, insulin (for many dogs; some cats) - diabetic dogs and cats can live long and comfortable lives.
- Consistency is key: feeding and medication schedules, monitoring of blood/urine glucose (as instructed by your vet), watching for complications like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), cataracts (especially in dogs), etc.
🌍 Why this matters from a One Health perspective
When we look at diabetes from a One Health lens, here are some reasons:
- Shared risk factors: Obesity, sedentary lifestyles, diet, aging-these affect humans and pets. If our household pets are overweight, chances are the human side of the house might be too. Addressing weight, activity, diet can benefit all species.
- Environmental & lifestyle links: Share built infrastructure (neighborhood walkability, access to healthy food, safe outdoor space) influences both human and pet activity levels.
- Health system implications: For pets with diabetes, veterinary care, monitoring, and owner adherence all matter; for humans, medical care, lifestyle, and resources matter. Both benefit from education, monitoring, support.
- Emotional & family impact: Many households with pets already engage in caregiving behavior (medications, diet control). Recognition of chronic disease in a pet may help owners become more aware of health issues for themselves (or vice versa).
✅ What can our community do this month (and beyond)
- If you're managing diabetes (or pre-diabetes) in yourself, use November as a prompt:
- Review your checklist: Am I on track with my ABCs? Have I scheduled a check-up? How is my diet/activity/sleep?
- Talk to your health care provider about what small next step you can take (e.g., add a 10-minute walk, lower a sugary drink, check family history).
- If you have pets:
- Check with your veterinarian: is your pet at risk (age, weight, breed)? Are we monitoring for the early signs of diabetes (drinking a lot, urinating more, weight change)?
- Review your pet's routine: diet quality, exercise, regular vet check-ups.
- If your pet already has diabetes: ensure you're consistent with feeding, medications, monitoring, and watch for complications (especially hypoglycemia in pets).
- As a One Health community:
- Share success stories or challenges of managing diet/exercise in households with both humans and pets.
- Promote awareness: Share infographics or resources (human + pet) in your local community or online. (see attached resources)
- Encourage collaborations: veterinarians, medical providers, nutritionists, pet owners-all can share insights.
🔗 Helpful resources
Let's use this month to raise awareness, take action, and support healthy habits across species. Whether you're focusing on your own health, your pet's health, or both, every step matters.
✅ Share your pet's story, your own challenge or success, and let's support each other!
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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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