Pets and Weight Control for Diabetes Management

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Diabetes and your Pet: A General Overview

Diabetes mellitus is a condition that can affect any pet. The condition of diabetes mellitus is caused by the body's inability to naturally regulate blood sugar levels, particularly insulin levels. Insulin is necessary for the uptake of glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the cell where it can be utilized for energy. The pancreas is responsible for the production and secretion of insulin. The two types of diabetes are dependent upon levels of insulin in the blood. Type 1 diabetes is known as insulin dependent diabetes, where the pancreas no longer makes insulin. Type 2 diabetes is known as non insulin dependent, where the pancreas makes either an inadequate amount of insulin or where the cells can not properly recognize and utilize the insulin. Type 2 diabetes can develop into type 1 diabetes over time without treatment, and sometimes type 2 diabetes requires insulin for treatment.

Diabetes Prevalence

Diabetes mellitus occurs in approximately 1 out of 400 cats and dogs. The majority of cats are over six years of age, while dogs are typically between the ages of seven to nine years old. Male cats that have been neutered and unspayed female dogs have a higher risk for the development of diabetes. Certain breeds of dogs are also genetically prone to the development of diabetes. However, the highest incidence rates are correlated to the animal being overweight or obese.

Diabetes and Weight: The Connections

The occurrence of diabetes is inversely connected with management of a healthy weight. Both cats and dogs are at risk for the development of diabetes, particularly if overweight or obese.

Effectively Managing your Pet's Diabetic Condition

There are effective ways in which you can manage your pet's diabetic condition. Diabetes, if treated, is not typically a life threatening condition. There are many natural changes to your pet's dietary intake and lifestyle habits than can have positive impacts on their overall health, including a decrease in signs and symptoms of diabetes.

Diet

While the exact dietary composition for diabetic pets has yet to be determined, there are certain factors that have been connected with positive effects. The most important aspect of diet is really that it is a consistent high quality diet low in carbohydrates and rich in fiber and protein. Carbohydrates are composed of sugars that can drastically change your pet's blood sugar levels. The timing of meals is also important and it may be helpful to feed your pet smaller portions several times daily. This will aid in the overall regulation of blood sugar levels, decreasing the presence of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

Physical Activity

Your pet should exercise on a daily basis. This physical activity also aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels. When your pet is physically active, sugar is utilized from the bloodstream to provide energy to the cells. If this sugar is utilized, it no longer remains in the bloodstream, effectively lowering overall blood sugar levels. Physical activity also promotes the cardiovascular health of your pet, and can promote weight loss if your pet is overweight or obese.

Sources:

http://www.petdiabetes.org/faq.htm

http://www.petdiabetes.org/diet.htm