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These can be used in conjunction with conventional therapies, as they are unlikely to be effective by themselves in most patients with severe diabetes. The natural treatments are widely used with variable success but have not all been thoroughly investigated and proven at this time.
As with any condition, the most healthful natural diet will improve the pet's overall health.
CONVENTIONAL THERAPY
Conventional therapy for pets with type I diabetes is with the injectable drug insulin, which works to lower blood sugar. Oral hypoglycemic agents (which lower blood sugar) can he used but are not routinely prescribed for most diabetic pets. In cats with non-insulin-dependent diabetes (and possibly in any pet with type I or type II diabetes), dietary therapy (usually a higher fiber diet containing increased amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber designed to reduce obesity and minimize fluctuations in blood glucose) and exercise (when possible) may be effective in lowering blood sugar and controlling clinical signs.
Excerpt from The Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats: Diabetes used by permission of Prima Publications.
Copyright © 2001 by Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M. All rights reserved. Excerpt from The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, Prima Publishing, Roseville, CA.