Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

10:03
A Zebrafish Model of Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolic Memory
Published on: February 28, 2013
Familial canine diabetes mellitus
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|September 15, 1975
Summary
A Miniature Poodle developed diabetes mellitus, mirroring its mother's condition. Offspring showed glucose intolerance, suggesting a genetic predisposition to canine diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder in dogs.
- Familial predisposition to diabetes mellitus has been anecdotally reported in Miniature Poodles.
- Understanding the genetic basis of diabetes can aid in early detection and management.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old male Miniature Poodle presented with clinical signs of diabetes mellitus.
- The patient's dam (mother) had previously died from diabetes mellitus.
- Two offspring from a mating of the patient and its dam were evaluated.
Findings:
- An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on the two 4-year-old offspring.
- One offspring exhibited significant glucose intolerance.
- This offspring was classified as prediabetic, indicating early-stage metabolic dysfunction.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential inherited risk for diabetes mellitus in this specific canine lineage.
- Early identification of prediabetic individuals through genetic screening or metabolic testing may be possible.
- Further research into the genetics of canine diabetes mellitus is warranted to inform breeding practices and improve animal health outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.

