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 · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how changing a cat's diet might help manage diabetes when they are also receiving insulin glargine, which is given 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, and they were monitored over 10 weeks. By the end of the study, two cats were able to stop needing insulin altogether, but the type of diet didn't seem to make a difference in this outcome. However, all the cats were able to keep their blood sugar levels under control with the insulin and regular check-ups. The researchers concluded that while diet changes could be beneficial, more studies are needed to understand their full impact.
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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18835801/