No abstract

During an attempt to establish a laboratory colony of the sand rat (Psammomys obesus) we found that this animal invariably became obese and developed severe diabetes mellitus when fed on commercial laboratory rat feed, but remained normal when fed on fresh vegetables only. The signs of diabetes included elevated blood glucose, excessive glucose and ketone bodies in the urine, and cataracts. The diabetic animals showed degeneration of the pancreatic insulin producing tissue (beta-cells).

No abstract

The sand rat ( Psammomys obesus), a rodent from the Near East and North Africa, becomes diabetic when raised on standard laboratory feeds. Animals collected in their natural habitat, on the other hand, show no signs of diabetes mellitus. Twelve animals were raised in the laboratory on Purina laboratory chow supplemented with fresh vegetables. Most of these animals developed severe diabetes mellitus as indicated by hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and pathological lesions including cataracts, obesity, and ß-cell degranulation and vacuolization of the pancreatic islet tissue. Ten animals raised entirely on fresh vegetables remained healthy with no signs of diabetes. Plasma and urine glucose concentrations, body weights, and the occurrence of cataracts are reported.