Syrian Hamster - Merlin

Question
Merlin is nearly two and is very aware of his surroundings and very active. He seems to be drinking loads now and recently been peeing all the time! He sleeps a lot and poops' about average. A vet thinks it may have diabetes. Some people also think it may be peeing a lot because it's kidney's are packing in. I know it's very old but is there still something i can do? also what is the best diet? Thank you very much

Cage size - 3 story A3 base size and height.
Type- Syrian Hamster
Toys - Chew sticks, tube, toilet house, Log
Feed - dry food, odd treat sometimes cheese
Drink - Water

Answer
Dear Jake,
thank you for your question.
Drinking a lot if usually a sign of some health problem. Diabetes can cause that, it's unusual with Syrian hamsters, though. You can test Merlin for diabetes yourself using those test strips you can get for humans, you just need to put him in a clean kritter keeper and wait for him to pee. I would recommend to see a vet to find out exactly what's wrong, though. Here's a list of vets recommended for gerils who will be able to treat a hamsters as well:
http://gerbilforum.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=vet

If he has diabetes, then he mustn't have anything with sugar in it. That includes most chew sticks (which are not that healthy anyway) and fruits. Many vegetables also contains sugars (especially carrots and beets), but not nearly as much as fruits. I wouldn't offer cheese or only a small piece once every few months or so. Mealworms or dried silkworms (or other feeder insects) are great treats and should be part of the daily diet anyway, hamsters need animal protein.
I hope I was of some help to you
Jennifer