What role does nutrition play in pet diabetes management?
By Dr. Dan Su, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)
November is Pet Diabetes Month. Just like humans, our pets can suffer from diabetes, a condition that leads to high blood sugar levels. This condition can occur if their body doesn’t make enough insulin (a hormone that allows the body to use sugar as energy) or if their body can’t use insulin effectively. While both dogs and cats can develop diabetes, there are some major differences between the two species.
Diabetes in dogs
Most dogs develop insulin dependent (Type I) diabetes, which means their pancreas is not producing enough insulin, and they’ll need insulin shots for the rest of their lives. In most cases, diabetic dogs can continue eating their regular diet as long as they receive proper insulin therapy. Some dogs may have other conditions like obesity, Cushing’s disease, etc. that make the control of diabetes more challenging, and may benefit from additional nutrition modifications that we will get into.
Diabetes in cats
Cats, on the other hand, often develop insulin resistance (Type II) diabetes. They make insulin, but their bodies don’t respond to it well (resisting the insulin). Commonly, cats that develop diabetes are obese, which predisposes them to insulin resistance. While dogs likely would need life-long insulin therapy, cats have a chance for remission. When cats are first diagnosed with diabetes, insulin is necessary to control the clinical signs, especially if there is unwanted weight loss. Once their body weight is stable, it is beneficial to help these cats reach a healthy weight. Achieving an ideal weight can help reduce insulin resistance, and eventually may lead to remission of diabetes. Studies have shown that using a high protein, low carbohydrate diet (like a high meat wet food) is helpful to achieve remission. For cats that don’t do well on that style of diets, diets higher in moderate in carbohydrate (in the form of higher fiber) can be used.
Nutrients to consider for diabetic pets
The goal of nutrition modification for diabetic pets is to help them regulate their blood sugar to avoid high and low blood sugar, while achieving a healthy weight and preserving their lean muscles. Sometimes, more complicated cases may require these nutrient modifications in addition to adjusting insulin therapy. High fiber and lower simple carbohydrate level in diets can help slow down and decrease sugar absorption from food, preventing a large blood sugar elevation after meals. High protein levels can help preserve lean muscles. Fat level of diets meant for diabetic patients are generally lower because the pets are often overweight and need a lower fat diet to help lose weight, or have secondary issues with fat metabolism and can benefit from a lower fat diet. These nutrition modifications can be used along with, but not replace, insulin therapy.
Consistency is key
Another important aspect of nutritional management is consistency. Regardless of what food is being fed to a diabetic pet, consistency is key! This means that it is important to keep meal and treat times, insulin administration time, and exercise times consistent to avoid fluctuation of blood sugar from day to day. Consistently following your veterinarian’s guidance and rechecks for diabetes management, such as glucose curves, is essential for successful diabetes management.
If your diabetic pet is a challenge to manage, talk to your veterinarian about consulting with a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®. The nutritionist may be able adjust your pet’s diet to help improve the diabetes management!
