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Managing Feline Diabetes with a Low Carbohydrate Diet

also see Diabetes in Cats

also see Cat Diabetes 

also see Cat Insulin 

also see Feline Diabetes

also see Q&A Cat Diabetes Help 

A feline diabetes diet that is low in carbohydrates can help control or reverse the disease by preventing obesity and blood sugar spikes that wear out the pancreas. Approximately 40 percent of cats are overweight, and fat cats are four times more likely to develop canine diabetes.

Characteristics of Feline Diabetes

The pancreas releases insulin, which helps cells absorb sugar (converted from carbohydrates). Eating too much carbohydrates causes spikes in blood sugar, overworking the pancreas. When the pancreas cannot secrete enough insulin and blood sugar levels stay elevated, "Type I" diabetes may result. Or, if the body becomes "insulin resistant" due to weight gain, then blocks sugar from entering cell walls, "Type II" diabetes may result.

Why High-Carb Diets Contribute to Feline Diabetes

Cats convert proteins and fats into energy, but not carbohydrates. Consequently, cats need a diet containing only 3 to 5 percent carbohydrates (up to 10 percent is fine, too). Some dry cat foods contain up to 50 percent carbohydrates.

Why Low-Carb Catskin Diets Help Control Diabetes

The "Catkins Diet," patterned after the "Atkins Diet" for humans, is low-carb, high-protein and high-fat. In converting to the "Catkins Diet":

Catskins Diet Caution

Taking the same amount of insulin, but reducing carbohydrates intake, may cause a dangerous condition called "hypoglycemia," or low blood sugar. Always consult your vet about changing your cat's diet.

also see Feeding a Cat Raw Food on the BARF Diet

also see Comparing Cat Litter: Pine vs. Clay

also see Choosing the Best Kitten Food

also see Cats Ingesting odd Items or foreign objects

also see Spleen Problems in Cats

also see Poisoning and Toxicosis in Cats

also see Medications and Cats

also see Diabetes mellitus