Do you think that dwarves NEVER should get fruit?

[LocoRocoPanda]

I never gave Tosh, Luppi or Aizen any fruit as they didn't need it. Tosh loved popcorn, Luppi loved carrots and Aizen adored cabbage. XD

[leexiongan]

I would say regularly for those cleared of diabetes, and never for those not cleared.

Regularly - All Robos( they do not have diabetes), and Winter Whites and Campbells that are cleared from diabetes.

Never- Those who have a risk of getting diabetes.

Sometimes - Do not take the risk of doing "sometimes". The answer is either a "yes", or "no", and not "maybe"


Does sugary treats cause diabetes ?
I have that question, and this is the answer given....

Just a question, as sugary foods does not cause diabetes in humans. This is actually a very large misconception. So many say sugary sweets cause diabetes, why?

I am saying this with regards to feeding fruits to dwarfs, which is discouraged by many, however if diabetes is not caused by simple sugars, then we can safely feed them, though accidentally feeding a semi diabetic hamster might be an issue here

You're exactly right. The diabetes that is common in hybrid dwarfs is caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin, so the body cannot store carbohydrates (like sugars) and they end up in the blood stream causing high blood sugar. This is similar to type 1 diabetes in humans, and is thought to be autoimmune and genetic. It is usually something they are born with. If you don't know if your dwarf has diabetes or not, it would be best to avoid the simple sugars in excess, which could cause serious problems including diabetic ketoacidosis, if your hamster was indeed diabetic. Testing your hamster's urine for the presence of glucose or ketones can determine if they are indeed diabetic, and if they are negative, they could safely eat fruits or starchy foods in moderation. Many people find it easier to just avoid excess of starchy or sugary foods, because testing the urine can be quite difficult.

However, many pets can develop something similar to type 2 diabetes in humans, which can be caused by obesity and poor lifestyle habits. An excess of sugary foods could contribute to obesity, and in studies of people with type 2 diabetes, more than half are obese. You're right that the sugary foods do not directly cause the diabetes, but in excess they contribute to the poor diet that can be a factor in it's development

A Hybrid may not have diabetes beacuse they do not the faulty gene/s, but a pure winter white may have it beacuse it has that gene/s, so you still have to check, and not feed you pure winter whites fruit, before doing urine checks.

[fluffymunchkins]

The only contradiction I have with you Lexiongan is that diabetes can pop up randomly in hamsters even when they have generations of non diabetic relatives. As it did with Bacardis brother. Also, it can be diagnosed in both Young and old hamsters alike, so I would say it is nearly impossible to be completely sure they have no chance of getting diabetes.

[mangoandmimi]

mmh yeah you just never know if they suddenly get diabetes or not :/
Pumpkin never gets any, awhh my sister comletely freaked out when i told her about diabetes lol, she just thought fruit was bad for hamsters or something :P

[leexiongan]

Originally Posted by fluffymunchkins

The only contradiction I have with you Lexiongan is that diabetes can pop up randomly in hamsters even when they have generations of non diabetic relatives. As it did with Bacardis brother. Also, it can be diagnosed in both Young and old hamsters alike, so I would say it is nearly impossible to be completely sure they have no chance of getting diabetes.

That is true that diabetes can come out anytime, however for winter white hamsters without any history or risk factors, it is considered safe IMO to feed them fruit, as i realised that they have a much lower chance of getting diabetes compared to RC, being much less prone.
However, some here may disagree , but there are some vitamins and nutrients found more in fruit, and you might lose out in those if you really want to be safe to the extreme.

Robos are strictly dwarfs too, and they can be fed fruit.