Advance Veterinary Diets Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder associated with a persistent hyperglycaemic state due to the loss of or a dysfunction in insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells, decreased insulin sensitivity in tissues, or both. Dogs tend to suffer a rapid and progressive loss of beta cells, usually due to immune-mediated destruction, vacuolar degeneration or pancreatitis.¹

The result is a loss of pancreatic beta-cell function, hypoinsulinaemia, circulating glucose is no longer transported into most cells, gluconeogenesis and accelerated hepatic glycogenolysis. The consequent hyperglycaemia and glucosuria produce polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and weight loss.²

The risk factors for developing diabetes in dogs include:¹

• Insulin resistance caused by obesity
• Certain diseases, such as hyperadrenocorticism, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypothyroidism, dental diseases, systemic infections and pancreatitis
• Pregnancy
• Exposure to certain medications
• Genetic factors
   

At the time of diagnosis, most dogs are aged from 4 to 14 years, with a peak prevalence at 7 to 9 years. Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes appears in dogs under 1 year old, but it is rare. It affects twice as many females than it does males.²

In dogs with diabetes, hyperglycaemia can be avoided with the aid of insulin, diet and exercise, the prevention or control of any concurrent diseases and the discontinuation of any medications causing insulin resistance.²

In terms of diet, the two most important aspects to consider with respect to controlling blood sugar levels are correcting obesity and increasing the fibre content in the patient’s diet.High-fibre diets are beneficial for the treatment of obesity, which causes insulin resistance, thus reducing obesity will improve blood sugar control in diabetic dogs.²

To aid in the treatment of diabetes, Advance has developed Advance Veterinary Diets Diabetes, a complete diet for adult dogs formulated to control their blood sugar levels and promote improved digestion, coupled with a low content of fast-release carbohydrates. It also includes highly digestible ingredients and soluble fibres to facilitate good intestinal transit and stimulate the dog’s beneficial gut flora.

• Natural antioxidants help reduce oxidative cell damage.
• Complex carbohydrates from barley help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Soluble fibre helps regulate intestinal transit and stimulates beneficial gut flora.
• Great taste for a long-term, day-to-day diet.
   

The Advance Veterinary Diets Diabetes diet achieves control over the blood sugar curve, promotes firm stools and ensures weight control thanks to its low calorie content.

The aim of dietary therapy is to optimise body weight through appropriate amounts of protein and carbohydrates, restricted fat levels and by controlling portion size and calorie intake. Dogs with diabetes can tolerate a diet well if it is complete and balanced, if they are fed with uniform amounts at fixed times, and if its high palatability ensures a consistent, measurable consumption.¹

References:

1. Behrend E., Holford A., Lathan P., Rucinsky R., & Schulman, R. (2018). 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 54(1), 1–21.

2. Nelson RW. (2010) Enfermedades del páncreas endocrino en Nelson RW and Couto GC (Eds). Medicina interna de pequeños animales. Cap 52, p.764-810. Elsevier España.