Progestogen-induced Diabetes in the Dog

The development of diabetes in a small percentage of female beagles receiving large doses of synthetic progestogen for one year is described. The abnormalities in blood sugar and plasma insulin responses to oral glucose arising during induction of diabetes are presented.

After a two-year period of diabetes, two animals were examined histologically. Lesions in the kidney and retina, similar to early lesions associated with human diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy, were present. Histologic changes related to the diabetes were also seen in the pancreas and pituitary. The means of induction of the diabetes is discussed. The study supports the view that the dog is a useful species in which to study the long-term pathology of diabetes.