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The number of
diabetics has doubled in the last 10 years and is now 1 out of every
200 cats. (240,000 cats are diagnosed annually).
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The major
complication of insulin administration is hypoglycemia. It is seen in
10% of diabetic cats and can be life threatening.
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Diabetic neuropathy
(impaired nerve conduction) is common.
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Obesity, genetics,
diet and amyloidosis are involved in the development of diabetes.
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Obesity causes
insulin resistance and correction in diabetic cats will improve
glycemic control (30-40% of cats are obese).
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Cats have nutrient
requirements and a unique metabolism that is adapted for a carnivorous
diet. They are not adapted to ingest excessive carbohydrates.
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Recent studies have
shown that high protein diets reduce the insulin requirements in most
cats.
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The rapid
resolution of hyperglycemia and the clinical signs of diabetes have
been observed in a number of cats fed high protein diets and receiving
insulin. Insulin could be discontinued in some of these cats and they
are maintained on diet alone.
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Canned diets are
higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates.
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Most dry cat foods
have excessive amounts of carbohydrates although Purina has introduced
DM that is a high protein dry food.
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Insulin
requirements will change dramatically when diets are changed form low
to high protein.
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Obese diabetic cats
fed a restricted carbohydrate diet lost body fat, gained lean body
mass, became normoglycemic and lost insulin dependence.
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Portion size should
be regulated with any type of food.
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Twenty percent of
diabetics will go into remission usually 1-4 months after good
glycemic control is maintained on current diets.
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Blood or urine
glucose must be monitored when diet is changed to prevent
hypoglycemia.
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Urine may be
monitored for glucose by adding indicator material to the litter.
Color changes are stable for 8 hours and the material is stable in the
litter for 5 days. (This is available as Glucotest from Purina.)
