In canines, diabetes is relatively uncommon and is usually an autoimmune disease or Type 1 diabetes. It may also come as a sequel to pancreatitis.

For dogs, part of the approach is to address pancreatitis (www.viim.org/therapeutics/VDR_with_TOC.htm#PANCREATITIS) and to decrease autoimmune tendencies
(www.viim.org/therapeutics/VDR_with_TOC.htm#AUTOIMMUNE_DISORDERS).

In felines, diabetes has become increasingly common with the introduction of carbohydrate-based dry foods and the resultant increasing obesity in the cat population. The result is Insulin Resistance or Type II diabetes.

For cats, the best approach is weight control (go to obesity part of VDR) as well as to improve Insulin Resistance
(www.viim.org/therapeutics/VDR_with_TOC.htm#DIABETES_MELLITUS).

 

 

Current research suggests that a very low-carbohydrate, high- protein, moderate-fat diet is beneficial to both dogs and cats with diabetes. Special foods are now being manufactured for pets with diabetes. It is also important to regularly schedule meals roughly twelve hours apart, followed shortly thereafter by an insulin shot. Snacking between meals should be discontinued to help keep your canine or feline’s insulin level consistent and to avoid spikes in blood sugar.
 

 

 

When changing the diet and/or natural remedies are not enough, the conventional treatment for both dogs and cats with diabetes usually includes daily insulin injections (either once or twice a day).

For some cats with diabetes, oral medications may be used in lieu of insulin injections. Oral medications for dogs have not shown to be effective so owners will have to use insulin injections for their canines living with diabetes.

In addition to proper diet, natural remedies and insulin injections, exercise is critical for the canine or feline living with diabetes.  Exercise burns up glucose in the same way that insulin does.  Therefore, moderate amounts of exercise are highly recommended to help burn excess blood sugar levels.

 

 

Integrative Medicine

 

»  Galega Officinalis: An herbaceous plant (also known as Goat’s Rue and French Lilac) used to improve the part of the pancreas that is responsible for insulin production. Also helps decrease blood sugar and insulin resistance.

»  Chromium: A natural mineral that helps improve insulin sensitivity and effectively metabolize blood sugar.

 

»  Bilberry: Edible berries that can help stimulate insulin production as well as help reduce the blood sugar levels of animals with diabetes.  Bilberry can also help with circulatory issues associated with diabetes.

 

» Aloe Vera Juice: Small doses of this juice can help decrease your canine or feline’s blood glucose levels.

 

»  Manganese Picolinate: A well-tolerated and well-absorbed form of manganese that helps maintain normal glucose levels and activates many powerful enzymes.

 

»  Maqui Berry Select: A powerful berry that helps improve blood insulin levels and works to prevent glucose levels from spiking too high after eating.

 

Diabetes Mellitus (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference)

(Live Link)

 

Species affected: Cats, Dogs

Background: Occurs primarily in animals with obesity, sedentary activity levels, processed food, high carbohydrate diets in carnivores (cats especially), and chronic, low-grade stress and pollution.

Symptoms: PU/PD, polyphagia, unexplained weight loss and later, diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diagnostics: Blood values are for glucose, insulin, serum fructosamines to monitor long-term glycemic control; sugar in the urine.

Special Notes: Cats frequently have equivalent of type 2 DM, while dogs frequently have equivalent of type 1 DM. Cats are known for spontaneously recovering from diabetes; they may fluctuate in and out of the disease state or become permanently diabetic. A low carbohydrate diet is recommended for these cats. Diabetic polyneuropathy does occur (more commonly in cats that in dogs) and is a sign that glycemic control is poor.

Principles for Supplementation: Diabetic polyneuropathy has been found to be responsive to controlling blood glucose levels and to acupuncture.

 

 

FORMULAS	DOSAGE	MECHANISM/PURPOSE
Aloe Vera Juice	Cats: ½ tsp bid Dogs: ½ tsp-1 tbsp bid	Lowers blood glucose.
Manganese Picolinate12	Cats: ¼ capsule bid Dogs: ¼ capsule/25 lb bid (up to 1 capsule, bid)	Helps maintain normal glucose levels; increases level of SOD; activator of many enzymes and constituents of some metalloenzymes.
Maqui-Select27	1 capsule per 20 lb bid or  1 scoop per 20 lb bid	Helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Small Animal Antioxidant12	Cats: 1 capsule sid Dogs: 2 capsules/25 lb sid	Antioxidant to prevent oxidative damage caused by hyperglycemia.
Super EPAVET12 or Omega PlusVET12	Cats: 1 gelcap Omega Plus sid Dogs: 1-2 gelcaps Super EPAVET /25 lb sid	Enhances glucose metabolism.

 

To help you quickly find the right Integrative Medicine formulas and manufacturers to help treat your dogs, cats and horses, please refer to the Veterinarians’ Desk Reference (Click Here)