My cat was recently diagnosed with beginning diabetes with Blood Glucose level of 176 and a fructosamine level of 705.
I’ve begun changing her diet immediately to higher protein wet food.
What I’m curious to know is if it is possible to implement nutrition changes immediately that would help her body without needing insulin? Or no matter what do i need to put her on insulin right away?
I’m open to second opinions.
thank you,
Deborah
Tags: cat with diabetes, feline diabetes
Diet can sometimes obviate the need for, or reduce the amount of, insulin.
It is important to understand how diabetes works. Diabetes results because there are spikes in blood glucose that the body cannot regulate. The most important thing early on is to regulate the blood sugar through careful monitoring, insulin injections, and a strict feeding schedule.
When placed on an appropriated diet (the most effective is a veterinary diet indicated for diabetes) that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, the spikes in blood glucose are not as drastic and the cat is able to keep better control. Some cats can keep their blood sugar regulated simply by eating an appropriate diet, it is important to ensure they are eating on a regular schedule and don’t have severe appetite fluctuations. Other cats will still need the assistance of insulin even when placed on an appropriate diet made for diabetic cats.
Whether the cat is regulated on just the diet or with the addition of insulin, it is important to have glucose and fructosamine levels check regularly (this will occur more frequently soon after the diagnosis and less frequently once the disease is regulated). Weight control is extremely important for diabetic cats as any weight gain or weight loss can deregulate the cat. Also, alert your veterinarian if clinical signs (increased drinking and urination) recur as this may mean that your cat is not longer regulated.
The following website is very helpful for owners of diabetic cats to help you understand the disease process and possible treatments involved.
http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/diabetes