Diabetes is a chronic health condition that is exceedingly common among pets. It occurs when there is an inadequate production of insulin in the body. Alternatively, it could also be a result of the body’s abnormal response to insulin. Generally, two types of diabetes are found in cats and dogs including diabetes mellitus (type 1 and 2), and diabetes insipidus. The most common type of diabetes that affects dogs and cats is diabetes mellitus, which is further divided into these subcategories: insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes in pets. However, with proper treatment, it is possible to help the pet live a healthy life. Since diabetes is a lifelong condition, its treatment process often involves a combination of things like dietary changes, weight management, use of oral medications, and insulin therapy. Read on to know more about treating diabetes in cats and dogs:
1. Dietary changes
Diet changes are often a crucial part of the treatment for diabetes. Making healthy changes in the diet can help maintain normal insulin levels in the body. This can help the pet live a long and healthy life. For your canine companion, it is best to go with a high-fiber diet to keep the glucose level in control. For diabetic cats, it is highly recommended to go with a protein-rich diet that has a low content of carbohydrates. Also, it is incredibly important to pick a diet that promotes weight loss. This is why experts urge feline owners to pick glucose weight management cat food for best results. It is also essential to consult with a veterinarian to know about the recommended feeding schedule.
2. Weight management
Maintaining an ideal body weight is extremely important for pets who are suffering from diabetes. As overweight dogs and cats are at a higher risk of developing insulin resistance, diabetes can lead to further health complications. A combination of regular physical activity and consumption of food, specially formulated for diabetic pets, can result in a healthy and gradual weight loss. This can help with the treatment of diabetes. For instance, cat owners should feed their feline companion glucose weight management cat food, and make sure they are physically active to reduce body weight. Similarly, canine owners should take measures to help their pet lose excess body weight, and maintain normal glucose levels in the body.
3. Insulin therapy
This therapy involves giving insulin injections to the pet for regulating glucose level in the blood. Despite the fact that nowadays there are plenty of medications available for treating diabetes in pets, insulin therapy continues to be one of the most effective treatments. It helps maintain the right level of glucose in the body. The pets that suffer from insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are required to take insulin injections.
4. Oral medications
Apart from the insulin therapy, plenty of oral medications are being recommended to battle the diabetes war. You should consult with the vet to get medications that are best-suited for your pet’s condition. For treating diabetes in pets, it is imperative to make proper lifestyle changes. Feeding them a balanced diet like high-fiber diet for dogs and glucose weight management cat food for cats, along with insulin injections are a small part of the list of effective ways to treat diabetes in pets.
