Diabetes in dogs & cats ....

[Nanny Pam]

Diabetes Photo Gallery - Pets and Diabetes

check out symptoms. Keep your pets healthy.

 

[frequentflier]

Diabetes Photo Gallery - Pets and Diabetes

check out symptoms. Keep your pets healthy.

Before opting for insulin, I would change the diet including switching to grain free foods or raw and an excercise routine for Fluffy or Fido.

 

[Mr.Steed]

Before opting for insulin, I would change the diet including switching to grain free foods or raw and an excercise routine for Fluffy or Fido.

There is a lot of research on the internet regarding this issue. The above mentioned diet change and increased exercise may be helpful but know that "canine diabetes" is practically never changed by diet alone and insulin will most likely be necessary. There are also many supplements that may be given to dogs in addition to insulin, that can be beneficial.

Research has found that dogs respond well to increased fiber added to a balanced natural/holistic/organic diet. This does not seem to hold true for cats though. Some cats with diabetes may be maintained with diet (higher protein) after they have been stabilized, usually with insulin.

Diabetes like most immune deficiency illnesses has many symptoms, i.e. increased infections, gastric upset, increased water consumption, increased panting, decreased energy, possible incontinence, muscle weakness, eye disease like cataracts or blindness, etc. The best thing to do is to seek out a holistic vet who can advise you well. Am currently dealing with an older dog who has diabetes, it is a challenge but with devotion and routine your friend still may have a good quality of life. Good luck!

 

[Mongo53]

I am far from qualified to offer an opinion, BUT, I thought in humans at least, diabetes is unreversable. Type II is preventable, and if your on your way to developing it, a change in diet and exercise can prevent it, but once you develop it, all you can do with healthier habits is reduce the severity, you can't reverse it no matter what you do.

I imagine the same is true in other animals as well as humans.

Uniformed guess, am I wrong in any of that?

 

[frequentflier]

I am far from qualified to offer an opinion, BUT, I thought in humans at least, diabetes is unreversable. Type II is preventable, and if your on your way to developing it, a change in diet and exercise can prevent it, but once you develop it, all you can do with healthier habits is reduce the severity, you can't reverse it no matter what you do.

I imagine the same is true in other animals as well as humans.

Uniformed guess, am I wrong in any of that?

Prevention and control the key. I don't think you ever get rid of it once you have it.

 

[rabbithead]

Prevention and control the key. I don't think you ever get rid of it once you have it.[/QUOTE

Diabetes in cats is reversible if caught early and treated aggressively- that is, their pancreas can start working again and producing insulin. The key is diet- cats are strict carnivores, which is why they should NEVER be fed grain-containing food, especially dry food. Most diabetic cats eat junk food, which causes the diabetes. Being obese doesn't help either.