Robos prone to diabetes?

[Christmas_hamster]

I have been under the impression that robos were not prone to diabetes, but I've seen it mentioned a couple of times on here. If they is any information on that, it would be appreciated. I've never heard of robos being prone to diabetes before, so this rather intrigued me.

[Pompompoms]

Robos are most definitely not prone to diabetes no thankfully . It's not impossible for them to get it, but it is very very rare. It seems that dwarfs are often all bunched together with health conditions, likely coming from the health difficulties associated with hybrids, the distinction between the dwarfs seems to get missed when comparing such things.

Robos luckily for them can tolerate a much higher level of fructose for example, with no problems at all. Obviously within sensible boundaries, but not at the near on bar on all types of sugar needed for hams with a predisposition to diabetes.

[Erin Loves Dwarf Hamsters]

Hmm, I was always under the impression that although it was rare they were still 'at risk' of it. Probably for the exact reason you have pointed out Poms that Dwarfs are grouped when it comes to health problems :/ Ah well the last year spent being overprotective of why my dwarfs eat was a bit of a waist of time Better safe than sorry I guess

[Christmas_hamster]

Ok that's what I thought, but I figured I'd ask just in case you guys knew something about this that hadn't gotten around yet. *phew*

[Hamtastic]

I've also been told by a breeder and read around here that robos are not prone to it. Though I'm sure they could develop it in a similar way to humans, from poor diet and too much sugar, leading to obesity and combined with poor exercise. Still haven't heard of a robo with diabetes, though kidney problems and such are still possible. I don't limit sugars for my robos anymore. They still don't get honey sticks thought, as I just consider those unnecessary.

[Pompompoms]

Robos biggest asset when it comes to avoiding diabetes is that they are so so busy. Anyone that has robos will notice the speed and energy they use really through most of their life. Unless they are asleep or eating they're zooming, they rarely hold fat on their bodies. it's only when they are not so well, or coming to the end that they slow down, and unless in their very days, they will still be running even if at a slightly lesser pace.

Now I am prepared to believe there is the odd lazy little fatty out there, perhaps without a wheel, or without much stimulation, and perhaps that is why there is the very rare case of diabetes.

Erin don't worry, it's much better to feed tour hams healthily, you just don't need to be as frightened of the sugar with our speedy little friends

[Erin Loves Dwarf Hamsters]

Now I am prepared to believe there is the odd lazy little fatty out there,

This has Trevor written all over it! He never leaves his nest even at night :/ Never uses his toys or his wheel he just comes out to eat, have a drink and go back to bed. Yet he is still in perfectly healthy condition Lazy little thing

And Im glad this question was asked! Cant believe I have gone so long thinking the wrong thing I guess I can offer a few more varied treats to them now

[Pompompoms]

Lol Dasher is very similar (if I hadn't bred him myself I'd be sure they were twins ) He come out a lot, but he doodles about, he's not a speedy wheeler, and he doesn't zip about much. he does occasionally make a mad dash though where he's in one place on minute then at the completely opposite end of the cage the next seemingly in one movement!

He's a biiiiiiiiiiig boy, but he's just muscle and fluff

[Erin Loves Dwarf Hamsters]

Haha omgoodness just like old Trev, even with the sudden whizz across the cage! Maybe they are realated in some way through grandparents/cousins etc
I swear Trevor comes from breeder lines somewhere in his hamcestory as he is massive! Only around 6 months old 38g and still growing! O.o He is also really well built but not as fluffy :L I wish I knew where he came from, all I know was that the rest of his litter were sold and the owner couldnt sell him so they left him in P@H

[racinghamster]

I can`t say if robos are prone to diabetes or not, but I had two males a while ago and one did lose a lot of weight later on in life and started to pass a lot of urine. I put this down to kidney issues. Diet with robos probably doesn`t need the same reductions as hybrids or chinese diets do, but I would personally consentrate on not feeding too high protein after the year old mark and concentrate on making sure their diet consisted of more complex carbohydrates (or in other words, simple sugars with a slower release of energy) than high protein foods like too many mealworms or similar additions.

Robos are very small and very high energy, so giving them as much variety in their diet as possible without adding additional protein would possibly help.