Writertoo, I have never had a diabetic dog, but I did have a diabetic brother and my DH is type 2 (no insulin, just diet and oral meds), plus I had, for five years an iatrogenic Addisonian dog. From that experience, I can share some things, generally. #1 is to know how to give the injections properly, from whether they are IM or sub-q to where on the body they should be given. Find out how often you need to monitor his blood sugar, and if you can do it at home. Find out about testing his urine for sugar, and whether that is an acceptable substitute for blood draws for glucose testing, and if it is, where you can get test strips that you can afford. For instance, the vet may sell them at full mark-up, but you may be able to take a prescription to a regular pharmacy and get them for less, maybe much less! The same sources might be a good resource for purchasing his insulin. Find out how to store the insulin, and what kind of insulin you need to use, there are different kinds. Start monitoring behaviors and keep a journal of how your dog acts when his blood sugar is high, ideal, and low, so you can start recognizing signs of a problem about to occur, one way or the other, so you can keep it from getting worse. The kind of food does matter, just like it does for human diabetics, but you may not be better off using a grain-free food, for instance, your dog does need carbs in his diet. For the fine-tuning, diet recommendations, and experience shared by others with diabetic dogs, I would suggest checking out Yahoo Groups for owners of diabetic pets. The Yahoo group for owners of Addisonian dogs was literally life-saving for my Peggy Sue, I could never have kept her alive and thriving until she was 12.5 years old without their advice, after the endocrinologist treating her Cushing's overdosed her Lysodren and oblated her adrenal glands when she was 7.5 years old. There might be several diabetic pets groups, and you might have to join several and monitor them for a while until you find one that seems the most helpful, with good, scientifically-based information. For instance, if you find a group that claims they can cure your dog's diabetes by sending you magic crystals and praying over him long distance at a cost of $1,500 payable in advance, I would suggest you LEAVE that yahoo group, pronto! But I am sure there are good groups, too, I just don't know the exact names they might have, but I know you can find them. Finally, just remind yourself that YOU are the one person your dog depends on absolutely to keep him healthy, happy and safe, and that he can live a long, good life if you educate yourself on the disease and treatment and insist your vet lets you be a partner in your dog's treatment, not a hapless bystander. Good luck and best wishes!
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