Diabetes in Animals: How Can CBD Help Dogs, Cats, and Horses?

Author: Lucie Garabasova

Diabetes is not just a human disease. Diabetes mellitus also affects our pets – dogs, cats and horses. And just like in humans, it is a chronic disease that requires lifelong care. The good news is that in addition to traditional veterinary treatments, CBD (cannabidiol) can offer a natural way to support the health of diabetic animals and improve their quality of life.

What is diabetes in animals? 

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the body cannot properly process glucose (sugar) from food. This is due to either a lack of insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels) or the body's inability to respond to insulin.

Two types of diabetes in animals:

Type 1 diabetes - the pancreas does not produce enough insulin
Type 2 diabetes - the body does not respond properly to insulin (resistance)

Untreated, diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which damages blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes and other organs.

What is the correct blood glucose level?

Blood glucose levels vary between species in animals, and persistently elevated levels are the main indicator of diabetes.

Animal	Normal glucose (mmol/l)	Suspected diabetes	Diagnosed diabetes
Dog	3.3–6.1	> 8.3	> 11
Cat	3.9–8.3	> 10	> 14
Horse	4.4–6.6	> 7	(insulin is also assessed)

 

Diabetes in dogs

Risk groups include female dogs (especially unneutered), older dogs (7+), obese dogs, and some breeds with predispositions (poodle, beagle, Labrador).

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs:

• Excessive thirst – drinks much more than usual
• Frequent urination – pee outside much more than before
• Increased appetite, but weight loss – eats a lot, but loses weight
• Fatigue and lethargy – less energy when walking
• Cloudy eyes – cataracts
• Vomiting – in advanced stages

Diagnosis: Blood test at the vet (glucose level, fructosamine).

Diabetes in cats

Risk groups include obese cats, seniors (8+), neutered males, and cats on a high-carbohydrate diet.

Symptoms of diabetes in cats:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased appetite, but weight loss
• Weakness in hind legs – cat walks “on heels”
• Neglects hygiene – constantly cleans itself
• Vomiting, loss of appetite – in advanced stages
• Poorly healing wounds

Interesting fact: Up to 30-90% of cats with diabetes can achieve remission (temporary cure) with proper treatment and diet!

Diabetes in horses

The most at risk here are overweight horses, metabolic syndrome, older horses and breeds with predispositions (ponies, Icelandic horses, quarter horses).

Symptoms of diabetes in horses:

• Laminitis
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Obesity
• Loss of muscle mass
• Chronic fatigue
• Recurrent infections

Important: Diabetes in horses is often associated with Cushing's syndrome (a disease of the pituitary gland).

Treatment of diabetes in animals

Treatment of diabetes in animals is always long-term and requires regular veterinary check-ups.

In dogs, therapy mainly consists of insulin administration, adjusting the diet to a low-sugar and fat content, and a regular feeding and exercise regimen to stabilize glucose levels as much as possible.

In cats, insulin is also administered, although in some individuals, with early diagnosis and diet, temporary remission may occur, when the sugar level is adjusted without the need for further treatment. The key is a diet with a high protein content and low carbohydrate content, administered at the same time every day.

In horses, the situation is different - diabetes as such is rare, we more often encounter insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome (EMS). Treatment focuses on limiting the intake of sugars and starches, weight reduction, regular exercise and sometimes supportive supplements that improve insulin sensitivity.

In all cases, patience, precise dosing, and monitoring the animal's reactions are important to avoid complications such as hypoglycemia or fluctuations in sugar levels.

How can CBD help animals with diabetes?

CBD is not a replacement for insulin or a cure for diabetes. But research shows that CBD can support the treatment of diabetes and alleviate some complications.

1. Regulate blood sugar levels

An animal study (2006, American Journal of Medicine) showed that CBD reduced the incidence of diabetes by 56% in animals. How?

✅ CBD affects the beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin
✅ Improves insulin sensitivity - the body responds better to the available insulin
✅ Helps regulate glucose metabolism

Regular use of CBD can help stabilize blood sugar levels in diabetic animals.

2. Reduce inflammation (a key factor in diabetes)

Type 2 diabetes is an inflammatory disease. Chronic inflammation in the body causes insulin resistance.

CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory:

✅ Reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines
✅ Protects pancreatic beta cells from inflammatory damage
✅ Improves immune system function

CBD helps reduce inflammation that worsens diabetes – especially in obese animals.

3. Protection against diabetic complications

Diabetes damages blood vessels, nerves and organs. CBD can help protect these structures:

Protection of nerves (neuropathy)
Dogs and cats with diabetes often suffer from weakness in their limbs. CBD has neuroprotective effects – it protects nerves from damage
Protection of the eyes (retinopathy)
Diabetes can cause cataracts in dogs. CBD has antioxidant effects that protect eye tissues.
Protection of the kidneys (nephropathy)
Diabetes damages the kidneys. CBD reduces inflammation in the kidneys and protects their function
Wound healing
Diabetic animals have poorer wound healing. CBD promotes tissue regeneration and reduces the risk of infections

4. Help with obesity (a major risk factor)

Obesity is the biggest risk factor for diabetes – especially in cats and horses.

CBD can help:

✅ Regulates appetite – normalizes metabolism
✅ Supports fat burning – helps with weight loss
✅ Reduces inflammation associated with obesity

CBD can be a useful supplement for weight loss in obese animals.

5. Improves quality of life

Diabetes is stressful – for both the animal and the owner. CBD helps:

✅ Reduces anxiety and stress
✅ Improves sleep
✅ Increases energy and vitality
✅ Relieves pain (especially in horses prone to laminitis)

💡 Do you want advice on individual dosage? Write to us in the consultation! 😊

Animal Studies on Diabetes and CBD

Several studies suggest that CBD may play a supportive role in the treatment of diabetes. The study “Unlocking the Antidiabetic Potential of CBD: In Vivo Preclinical Studies” (MDPI) looked at the effects of different doses of CBD in diabetic rats. The results showed that doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg led to a significant reduction in blood glucose levels, increased insulin levels, and suppressed some liver enzymes responsible for glucose production. However, a higher dose (100 mg/kg) had no effect. The authors concluded that CBD may positively influence the metabolism of both sugars and fats, although these are still preclinical results in laboratory animals.

Study: HERE

Similarly, the study “Cannabidiol Improves Metabolic Dysfunction in Middle-Aged Diabetic Rats” (ScienceDirect) showed that CBD improved metabolic function in middle-aged diabetic rats, thus reducing the metabolic imbalances associated with diabetes.

Study: HERE

An interesting case report is an 18-year-old cat with type 2 diabetes, which was reported in the study “Use of Cannabidiol-Dominant Extract as Co-Adjuvant Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes” (Karger Publishers). After adding a CBD-rich extract as a supplement to insulin therapy, her blood sugar levels decreased and her overall vitality improved. Although this was only an isolated case, it suggests the potential of CBD as a supportive therapy in animals with diabetes.

Study: HERE

How does CBD work in diabetic animals?

CBD works through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) – a network of receptors that regulates:

• Metabolism and energy
• Inflammation and immune response
• Pancreatic function
• Blood sugar levels

CB1 and CB2 receptors in diabetes:

CB1 receptors (brain, pancreas):

• Affect appetite and metabolism
• Regulate insulin production

CB2 receptors (immune system):

• Reduce chronic inflammation
• Protects pancreatic beta cells

CBD does not act directly on these receptors, but modulates them – helping the body return to balance.

How to dose CBD for diabetic animals?

General recommendation:
For dogs, 1 drop per 4kg of the dog's live weight is generally recommended for 10% CBD oil.

For cats, we would recommend working with 2% or 5% CBD oil for animals and dosing it 2x a day with 1-2 drops.

For horses, the dosage is divided according to the weight of the animals, but in general: 1 ml of the product per 80 kg of live weight.