Treating Diabetes Holistically
by Dr. Larry Siegler
Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the body is no longer able to regulate
blood sugar levels. Blood sugar is regulated mainly through insulin produced by
the pancreas. There are several types of Diabetes, which can be either Insulin Dependent
(IDDM) or Non-Insulin Dependent (NIDDM):
Type I diabetes is always insulin dependent (IDDM). This type of diabetes is characterized
by decreased insulin production in the pancreas. The beta cells which produce insulin
are destroyed and normal insulin production is lost. This type is most common in
dogs.
Type II diabetes can be either IDDM or NIDDM and is a result of decreased responsiveness
of the body's cells to insulin, or improperly functioning pancreatic cells that
produce insufficient levels of insulin. Type II diabetes is most common in cats.
I have seen many cats become non-diabetic with a proper diet and treatment plan.
In cats, one can see Transient Diabetes Mellitus, in which insulin requirement comes
and goes. Approximately 20 percent of diabetic cats may experience periods where
they no longer require insulin injections. Sometimes called a “honeymoon,” these
periods can last for days or months.
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Change in appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- General weakness
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Cataracts (in dogs)
- Weak rear legs (in cats)
Risk factors for diabetes include obesity, an unhealthy diet, steroid treatments
and, in unspayed female dogs, diestrus, the period of sexual inactivity after the
female is receptive.
The actual cause of diabetes in each animal may not be known. For some animals
it is genetic. Diabetes is sometimes linked to an infectious viral disease or autoimmune
disease.
Treatment:
It is always best to work with your own veterinarian along with a holistically
trained veterinarian in determining the best treatment plan for your companion.
Diabetes is a complicated disease and is different in every animal. Regular testing
is essential in determining what works best for your companion. The following are
the possible components of a holistically oriented treatment plan. These will often
be combined with some level of insulin support.
Diet is one of the most important components of a treatment plan for a diabetic
animal. A diet low in fat is typically recommended, but a diet too low in fat creates
health risks of its own. Of utmost importance for Type II diabetes is weight control.
SLOWLY reducing your cat’s weight to an appropriate level is the very best thing
you can do for him or her.
For cats, I frequently recommend a diet high in very good quality protein and low
in carbohydrates. For dogs with Type I diabetes, a diet high in fiber and complex
carbohydrates is recommended to slow digestion and the release of sugar into the
bloodstream. In most cases, for both dogs and cats, a raw diet is best, or at least
home-cooked. With the growing variety of commercially available raw diets, this
part of the treatment plan can become less time-consuming.
Click here for the raw food available at Only Natural Pet Store.
Freeze-dried and
dehydrated diets are also good options when raw is not practical, (with added
fiber for dogs with Type I diabetes).
Canned foods should be high in protein with little or no grain. I like
Nature’s Variety, as their formulas do not contain grains, as well as
some varieties of the
Wysong Au Jus to supplement the diet (Click
here to view all grain-free foods). For dogs, fiber can be added to the diet
by including some lightly steamed or ground vegetables in the diet. Complex carbohydrates
are acceptable for dogs (whole grains, not grain by-products).
It is important to feed at least 2 times and preferably even 3 times per day
to reduce meal size and spread out the food intake, as this will assist in keeping
blood sugar levels more stable.
Freeze-dried treats are also good choices for most diabetic animals. The treats
are all meat and can be broken into small bite size pieces:
Dietary Supplements & Herbs:
There are some Chinese herbal formulas that can be supportive in treating diabetes.
It is best to work with a veterinarian trained in Chinese medicine in choosing the
right one.
Health Concerns Astra Essence is one Chinese herbal formula that can
be used as a general tonic for some diabetic animals.
Another potentially useful supplement for many diabetic companions is
PetAlive GlucoBalance. GlucoBalance contains a variety of helpful nutrients
and herbs that can support the animal’s system and possibly reduce the amount of
insulin required.
Supplements to support the animal’s immune system are also important since many
diabetic animals have a weakened immune system. A good quality multivitamin and
mineral supplement is important:
Dog Multivitamin/Mineral supplements
Cat Multivitamin/Mineral supplements
Added antioxidants are also helpful for
increased immunity, such as
Vetri-Science Cell Advance.
Vitamin E has been shown to reduce the
need for insulin in humans, so I often recommend a Vitamin E supplement if you are
not using an antioxidant that contains it.
Essential Fatty Acids (see
for dogs and
for cats), specifically Omega 3 fatty acids and GLA have been shown to
both enhance glucose metabolism and protect against secondary cardiovascular problems
in diabetics. While the diet should be lower in dietary fat overall, the supplementation
of Essential Fatty Acids can often be beneficial. It is also useful in preventing
diabetes.
Homeopathy is often very helpful in treating
diabetes, particularly in cats with transient diabetes. Treatment is very specific
to each individual and must be guided by a veterinarian trained in homeopathy. You
can locate one through the Academy
of Veterinary Homeopathy.
Acupuncture can also be an excellent
supportive treatment for diabetic animals. You can find a local practitioner through
the American Academy of Veterinary
Acupuncture.
Diabetes is a disease that must be managed
for the life of your companion, but it does not necessarily need to reduce the quality
of life if managed properly. Many animals with diabetes live long, happy lives when
their guardians are willing to put the time and effort into developing a comprehensive
treatment plan.