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→Diet
====Diet====
====Diet====
=====Dogs=====
=====Dogs=====
The diet fed to diabetic animals should be consistent and, at least initially, it should have a good caloric density to allow animals to regain weight. The diet should be low in simple carbohydrates which may induce the secretion of glucagon and other hormones antagonistic to insulin. A constant feeding schedule should be maintained, with the animal being fed twice per day at the same times.
The diet fed to diabetic animals should be '''consistent''' and, at least initially, it should have a good caloric density to allow animals to regain weight. If the animal is obese at presentation, a programme of controlled weight loss should be instituted so that insulin resistance is also minimised. The diet should be '''low in simple carbohydrates''' which may induce the secretion of glucagon and other hormones antagonistic to insulin. A '''constant feeding schedule''' should be maintained, with the animal usually being fed twice per day at the same times.
It has been shown in dogs that feeding a higher fibre content may achieve better stabilisation in cases of diabetes mellitus because this substrate is metabolised slowly.
It has been shown that a higher dietary '''fibre''' content may achieve better stabilisation in cases of diabetes mellitus because this substrate forms a viscous gel in the intestine that slows the absorption of glucose. This effect is greatest with soluble fibre but soluble/insoluble fibre mixes are often suitable.
=====Cats=====
=====Cats=====
Similarly to dogs, the diet should be consistent and not contain a large proportion of simple carbohydrates.
Similarly to dogs, the diet should be consistent and not contain a large proportion of simple carbohydrates. In cats with suspected non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, obesity should be corrected as a priority to reduce insulin resistance. Emaciated cats should be fed a diet with high caloric density.
Recently, diets with '''high protein content''' have become popular in the management of diabetes mellitus in cats. These diets are used because their carbohydrate content can be reduced accordingly and because cats do not develop high peaks in post-prandial blood glucose concentration when they are fed on high protein diets. It is not clear whether supplementation of dietary fibre has any beneficial effect in cats.
====Hypoglycaemic Drugs====
====Hypoglycaemic Drugs====
===Monitoring===
===Monitoring===