Dietary goals for dogs and cats with Type 1 diabetes (also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes or IDDM) are to improve regulation of blood glucose by delivering nutrients to the body during periods when exogenous insulin is active and to minimize postprandial fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Dietary management does not eliminate the need for [...]
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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine disorder that occurs in both dogs and cats. It is caused by the relative or absolute deficiency of the hormone insulin, which is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. Insulin stimulates the transport of glucose and other nutrients across cell membranes for cellular use and is involved [...]
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Diabetes diagnosis in dogs and cats
A diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is based on persistent fasting hyperglycemia and glycosuria. The normal fasting value for blood glucose in dogs and cats is 75-120 mg/dL. In cats, stress-induced hyperglycemia is a frequent problem, and multiple blood and urine samples may be required to confirm the diagnosis. Measurment of [...]
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The relationship between obesity and NIDDM in humans is well documentated. Studies with dogs and cats have shown that a similar relationship exists in these species. Baseline plasma insulin level and insulin response to a glucose load increse linearly in dogs as a function of their degree of obesity. This effect occurs in both healthy [...]
Continue reading about Diabetes dietary treatment in pets: Caloric intake and weight control