The bond you have with your pet may be much closer than you think. Previous studies have shown that dogs who share the same sedentary lifestyle with their parents may be prone to piling on the pounds, just like their mum and dad.
Hence, it should come as no surprise to learn that if your pup has diabetes, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes yourself. A study conducted in Sweden from 2004 to 2006 tracked the health of dogs and their owners by analyzing veterinary insurance records. In addition, they used information derived from the Swedish National Patient Register to identify owners with type 2 diabetes.
The results of the study revealed that if your dog has diabetes, there is a 38% chance that you will develop type 2 diabetes. The opposite is also true; if you have developed type 2 diabetes, your pup has a 28% chance of contracting it. The study however had limitations as it only took into consideration the dogs whose owners placed them under veterinary insurance.
In addition, it did not consider the health habits of the dogs and their owners. The study also does not provide reasons for this connection. The only possible clue is that dogs and their owners tend to share the same exercise habits and routines. Therefore, if your pup has diabetes, it may be advisable to review your lifestyle to safeguard yourself.