Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and the hormone is responsible for maintaining the blood glucose levels in the body. When the production and/or efficiency of insulin are altered, it results in a health condition called diabetes mellitus. This condition has two kinds: Type 1 diabetes, wherein the natural production of insulin is halted permanently in the body, and Type 2 diabetes, wherein the body does not respond to insulin or the insulin production in the body is inadequate to satisfy the body’s demands. Now, humans are not the only ones to be affected by this disease; pets can be affected as well. So, this article aims to throw some light on dietary tips for cats with diabetes mellitus.
If diagnosed and treated in the initial stages, the transient phase of the fluctuation in blood glucose levels can be reversed to its normal proportion. The causes of diabetes in male and female cats are not precisely known, but the treatment goals are usually multi-fold and individualized for every cat. Maintaining healthy body weight and regulating glucose levels constitute the first step of treatment, and preventing complications like hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, peripheral neuropathy, and other such conditions are the secondary concerns. Lastly, effectively managing remission is the ultimate intention of treating cats with diabetes mellitus.
The role of diet in cats with diabetes mellitus
Following a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, combined with oral hypoglycemic medications, is an effective tip for blood glucose level regulation in cats with diabetes mellitus. This may be more effective than using just a diet or medication independently to treat the condition. Routine checkups to monitor blood sugar levels in a cat are also essential. Older, neutered, or overweight male cats are more prone to developing diabetes than others, but the exact cause is not clearly known. Having said that, diet can help manage the condition, so here are some tips to follow for your cat if it has diabetes mellitus: