Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Effects of diet on glucose control in cats with diabetes mellitus treated with twice daily insulin glargine
- Journal:
- Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
- Year:
- 2009
- Authors:
- Hall, Tanya D. et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, United States · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how changing a cat's diet affects blood sugar control in cats with diabetes mellitus (a condition where the body has trouble managing sugar levels) who were also receiving insulin glargine twice a day. Twelve cats were split into two groups: one group ate a low carbohydrate, high protein diet, while the other group had a regular diet for ten weeks. Throughout the study, the cats were regularly checked for their clinical signs, blood sugar levels, and a specific blood test related to sugar control. By the end of the study, two cats were able to stop needing insulin completely, but there was no difference in this outcome between the two diet groups. Overall, all the cats managed to keep their blood sugar levels under control with the insulin and regular check-ups, but more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of changing their diet.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary modification in addition to twice daily insulin glargine. Cats were treated with insulin glargine twice daily and randomized to receive either a low carbohydrate, high protein (LCHP) diet ( n=6) or a control diet ( n=6) for 10 weeks. Re-evaluations of clinical signs, blood glucose curves, and serum fructosamine concentrations were performed at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10. Two of 12 cats achieved complete remission by the end of the study but remission rate was not different between diet groups. Using twice daily insulin glargine and frequent monitoring, all cats in both diet groups achieved successful glycemic control. Frequent monitoring is key to achieving glycemic control in diabetic cats; potential benefits of dietary modification require further evaluation.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2008.06.009