As the diets of animals in our care (including ourselves) have become more processed and removed from the natural diet the incidence of diabetes has become common.
The Insulin deficiencies that define Diabetes cause blood sugar to become excreted through the urine, resulting in a chronic state of semi-starvation, weakness, abnormal thirst and excessive urination. Although the insulin injections control the symptoms, they do not cure diabetes.
As the illness progresses, it will often cause in your cat or dog, weight loss, pancreatic inflammation, cataracts in the eyes and urinary tract infections.
Nutritional Therapies
A Natural Raw Food Diet is best, and should be feed in 2-3 small meals per day to reduce the stress on the pancreas. Many therapist also suggest a low fat diet is required, but this is more important in a cooked food diet than a raw food diet.
Brewers Yeast, which is rich in Chromium is often recommended for diabetic pets at a rate of 1 teaspoon—1 tablespoon per meal depending on the size of the animal.
Vitamin E reduces the need for insulin, between 25-200IU of E-complex daily. Vitamin C up to 500mg per 9kg of body weight.
Juliette de Bairacli Levy encourages the use of Carrots (grated or lightly cooked) and Jerusalem Artichokes as a substitute for cereals.
The use of a good animal probiotic (like Protexin) may also assist your pet in gaining the most out of the food they consume.
Herbal Treatments
Olive Leaf has been used in Europe for many years and modern research has shown that it can reduce the body's need for supplemental insulin. Juliette de Bairacli Levy recommends 1 teaspoon daily (after food)
Garlic, Dandelion and Burdock are also helpful as blood cleansers which support the immune system.
Apple Cider Vinegar may also be added to your pet’s water - 1 tspn, 5 days a week if they are becoming stiff and arthritic.
Homeopathic Treatments
Homeopathic treatments have proved to be successful with diabetes in conjunction with a natural feeding regime. The treatment is complicated and should only be undertaken with an experienced Homeopath.
Flower Essences Therapy
Diabetes is hard on the body and draining on the nervous (emotional) and endocrine (hormonal) systems. Flower Essence therapy may be useful. If your pet is becoming stressed and agitated you may consider using Rescue Remedy, or other more specific remedies.
You should NEVER remove your pet from a veterinary treatment without consultation with your VET. Diabetes is a serious condition and mismanagement of the condition will lead to death.
