Today is National Diabetes Day, and the folks at Webvet are trying to make people aware that dogs and cats are facing their own mini-epidemic of diabetes. It's not anywhere near as severe as the human spread of the disease. About one in 400 dogs and cats now has diabetes compared to one in 12 people.

Just like in people, lousy diet and exercise habits are causing more diabetes all around. The difference is dogs and cats aren't the ones deciding how much food they get and how many times they exercise. We are. Yeah, I know they have those irresistible eyes. That's why one-quarter of our cats and dogs are now clinically obese, according to Webvet. PetClubUK says overweight cats are four times as likely to get diabetes.

To be fair, diabetes isn't just caused by being fat, in either humans or animals. Genetics plays a huge role. In dogs, females and certain breeds, such as miniature Pinschers and cairn terriers are more likely to be afflicted with diabetes. No gender has an upper hand in cats, though some think Burmese are more susceptible.

Every day, WalletPop will be bringing you information about a fantastic freebie. Like what you see? Check back tomorrow for more!

If you fill out this form, the makers of JANUVIA (jah-NEW-vee-ah) is a once-daily prescription pill that, along with diet and exercise, helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, will send you a free exercise DVD. According to the company:

"The Safe Exercise Workout," along with complimentary resistance bands, is designed for people who do not have much time for exercise but who truly care about their health.

It stars Toni Tickel Branner. No, I've never heard of her either. But it's free!

Every day, WalletPop will be bringing you information about a fantastic freebie. Like what you see? Check back tomorrow for more!

AmMed Direct is offering a pretty cool box of free stuff willing to fill out this quick form. According to the company:

Your FREE Better Care Kit™ includes:

• FREE Diabetic Desserts cookbook – 96 full-color pages of mouth-watering desserts including lemon meringue pie, apple crisp, chocolate bundt cake, and many more
• FREE Meal Planning Guide – with useful nutrition advice to simplify your healthy food choices
• FREE copy of the Better Care Magazine – with 5 food secrets that reveal how you can enjoy healthier, more delicious meals
• FREE Test & Feel Better Guide – with practical facts about blood sugar testing to keep your diabetes in check
• FREE Test Log – to help you keep track of your blood sugar levels
• FREE special issue of our popular Diabetes Directions newsletter with important diabetes news, health tips and delicious recipes
  

I initially came across a story about diabetes-detecting dogs that suggested this was a scam, but further research has convinced me that it is, in fact, great news for those suffering with type-1 diabetes. While the science behind the phenomenon has yet to be figured out, results have proven that canines can be trained to sniff out blood sugar problems in their diabetic owners.

One organization dedicated to training dogs for this purpose is the not-for-profit Dogs for Diabetics, operating for the time being only in Northern California. Training a dog can take up to two years and $20,000, but owners claim that the early warning provided by their companion is invaluable in avoiding serious imbalance problems.

An article in the March 2008 issue of the American Diabetes Association's magazine Diabetes Forecast quoted a recent study showing that a full third of pets owned by diabetics have shown signs of distress when their owners strayed into dangerous blood sugar levels.

Until the science is understood and an organization takes responsibility for vetting the training of such dogs, I suppose scammers could jump into the vacuum with dogs that are not really trained to the degree necessary. Because of that, I'd strongly recommend not buying such dogs from private individuals or organizations that don't have a proven track record.

When I think of the problems faced by my friends with this malady, though, a diabetes-detecting dog sounds like a godsend.

Could I interest you in an inexpensive, environmentally responsible meal plan which would reduce your grocery bill and possibly your waistline at the same time? Are you interested in eating foods which provide highly digestible protein, low fat content and which cost just pennies per pound to produce? Are you concerned about the handling of livestock in meat processing operations and the energy intensive production of beef cattle and other livestock for human consumption? I have the solution to all your concerns. Eat more bugs.

Ever since time began, we as a species have been eating bugs. If you ascribe to the notion of evolutionary theory, then the truth of this matter would be even more plain. In the development of our civilization, such as it is, two undeniable facts have run throughout. It takes a bi-gendered couple to procreate, and we must consume an adequate amount of calories and hydrating liquids to survive.

Bugs are all around us. The chances are, several of them are within earshot of you right at this very moment. They survive without anyone placing them in a feedlot. They're generally clean and easy to maintain. The best part might be that PETA probably doesn't give a damn about them because they're not all furry and warm with soulful eyes that pity mongers can use to extract your endless cash donations.