Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly common condition in UK pets, particularly in overweight cats and certain dog breeds. It requires lifelong daily management, and the costs can be significant. Here is a practical guide to what is involved and what it costs.

Which Pets Get Diabetes

Dogs: Diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged to older dogs (7–9 years). Female dogs are twice as likely to develop diabetes as males. Predisposed breeds include Samoyeds, Australian Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, and Pugs.

Cats: Diabetes is most common in overweight, middle-aged to older male cats. Burmese cats are at increased risk. Unlike dogs, some cats can achieve remission with early, aggressive treatment.

Symptoms

  • Increased thirst (polydipsia)
  • Increased urination (polyuria)
  • Weight loss despite a good or increased appetite
  • Lethargy
  • In cats: plantigrade stance (walking flat on the hocks instead of on tiptoes)
  • In dogs: cloudy eyes (diabetic cataracts — very common)

Diagnosis Costs

  • Consultation: £30–£65
  • Blood glucose test: £15–£30
  • Fructosamine test (confirms sustained high glucose): £30–£50
  • Full blood panel and urinalysis: £80–£150
  • Total diagnosis cost: £100–£250

Daily Management and Costs

Insulin:

  • Caninsulin (most common for dogs and cats): £30–£50 per vial, lasting 4–8 weeks depending on dose
  • ProZinc (preferred for cats by some vets): £40–£60 per vial
  • Monthly insulin cost: £30–£60

Needles and syringes:

  • Insulin syringes: £10–£20 per box of 100 (lasting 7–14 weeks with twice-daily injections)
  • Monthly cost: approximately £5–£10

Prescription diabetic diet:

  • Dogs: Hills w/d, Royal Canin Diabetic: £30–£50/month
  • Cats: High-protein, low-carbohydrate diet (specific diabetic diets or high-quality wet food): £30–£50/month

Home glucose monitoring:

  • Pet glucometer (one-off): £30–£60
  • Test strips: £15–£30 per 50 strips
  • Freestyle Libre sensor (increasingly used for pets): £50–£60 per 14-day sensor

Veterinary Monitoring Costs

Regular vet monitoring is essential, particularly in the early weeks of treatment:

  • Initial stabilisation (first 1–3 months): Frequent glucose curves and dose adjustments. May require 4–8 vet visits: £200–£500
  • Ongoing monitoring (once stable): Glucose curves every 3–6 months: £50–£120 per visit
  • Fructosamine tests: Every 3–6 months: £30–£50 per test
  • Annual blood panel: £80–£150 to check for concurrent conditions

Total Annual Cost

Once stabilised, annual diabetes management costs typically:

  • Insulin: £360–£720
  • Needles/syringes: £60–£120
  • Prescription diet: £360–£600
  • Monitoring (vet visits and tests): £200–£500
  • Total: approximately £980–£1,940 per year

Complications and Extra Costs

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): A life-threatening complication of uncontrolled diabetes requiring emergency hospitalisation. Treatment cost: £1,000–£3,000.

Diabetic cataracts (dogs): Around 80% of diabetic dogs develop cataracts within 16 months. Cataract surgery costs £2,000–£4,000 per eye at a specialist ophthalmologist.

Can Diabetes Be Reversed

Cats: Yes, potentially. With early, aggressive insulin therapy, strict diet, and weight loss, up to 30–40% of diabetic cats can achieve remission (no longer need insulin). This is most likely in the first 6 months of treatment.

Dogs: Diabetes in dogs is almost always permanent and requires lifelong insulin therapy. However, unspayed female dogs can sometimes improve after spaying.

Tips for Reducing Costs

  • Ask your vet for a written prescription and buy insulin from an online pharmacy — savings of 20–30% are common
  • Learn to do glucose curves at home to reduce vet visit frequency
  • Buy needles in bulk — larger boxes are cheaper per unit
  • Maintain a strict routine to improve glucose control and reduce costly crisis visits

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: BSAVA endocrinology guidelines, VetCost pricing data. Always follow your vet's advice for insulin dosing — incorrect dosing can be life-threatening.