Nutritional Management of Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus in Canine
G Yashaswini 1, Deshmukh Kaivalya Ruprao2
1M.V.Sc Scholar, Division of Animal Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatanagar, Bareilly – 243122. Email ID – yashuramya92@gmail.com
2M.V.Sc Scholar, Division of Animal Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatanagar, Bareilly – 243122. Email ID – kaivalya.deshmukh17@gmail.com
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a syndrome in canines, with persistently high blood glucose levels and insulin deficiency symptoms, and if unregulated leads to a life-threatening medical condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Two main types of diabetes occur in dogs – insulin-deficiency diabetes (IDD) and insulin-resistance diabetes (IRD). Factors such as age nutrition, gender, and body weight all contribute dog’s risk for diabetes. Dogs are considered obese if they are 20 % above their ideal body weight and the excessive body fats can be due to excessive feeding, lack of physical activity, as well as specific medical diseases that lead to a range of health problems such as joint issues, heart disease, and diabetes. Being obese or overweight not only paves the way for diseases but also can hurt the well-being and longevity of canines. Although no pharmacological agents have yet been licensed for weight loss in dogs as well as there is no permanent cure for diabetes. fortunately, most dogs managed with the right nutrition have minimal symptoms and have an excellent standard of life. As a result, diabetic dogs can have happy and long lives if their owners are ready and willing to dedicate themselves to lifetime care.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Obesity,Nutrition.
Introduction:
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a syndrome and not a single disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and increased fasting blood glucose (>144 mg/dL or 8 mmol/L) that results from defects in insulin secretion or insulin sensitivity in target tissues or both. Glucose and Insulin are the essential fuel and fuel delivery in charge of the body’s cells. Body cells go under starvation for the vital fuel when the glucose-insulin connection isn’t working and excessive sugar buildup in the dog’s bloodstream causes abnormal blood chemistry or acts as a sort of toxin for multi-organ failure. Diabetes occurs in dogs in two forms insulin deficiency and insulin-resistant diabetes. The most prevalent kind of diabetes in dogs is insulin deficiency diabetes, whereas the latter is more common in older and fat dogs. During heat and pregnancy, female dogs may also have a brief increase in insulin resistance. Normal blood glucose levels in healthy dogs are 80-120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). Apart from insulin therapy which has detrimental effects upon long use, Diet and nutrition play a vital role in managing diabetes in dogs, and ensuring the right nutrients while keeping their blood sugar in check.
Etiology and clinical signs:
Genetics, steroid medications, Cushing disease, pancreatitis, neutered males and intact females, breeds (Terriers, beagles, pugs) older dogs are more susceptible to this disease apart from these lack of physical activity and excess calories than required build up more fat in the body causing obesity. In addition to being a source of energy, adipose tissue also secretes pro-inflammatory mediators such as adipocytokines, which aid in the onset of insulin resistance and diabetes. Lethargy, increased hunger, increased thirst, and increased urine are some of the early symptoms. Advanced symptoms include renal failure, seizures, enlarged liver, urinary tract infection, cataracts that result in blindness, and ketoacidosis.
Diet and nutrition in managing obesity and diabetes mellitus:
An important complication associated with insulin therapy is hypoglycemia, or excessively low blood glucose concentration (< 60 mg/dL ). A well-balanced, meticulously planned diet may assist with managing blood sugar levels and ensure that the pet is getting enough nutrients to be healthy without any spikes or decreases in blood glucose levels. Diet recommendations depend on individual factors such as body condition score, body weight, food acceptance, exercise, and treats. A diet that will correct obesity, optimize body condition, and minimize postprandial hyperglycemia is the recommended amount and source of dietary starch that can alter postprandial glucose in diabetic dogs. One of the most crucial aspects of a diabetic dog’s diet is limiting their consumption of carbs.Carbohydrates are transformed into glucose during digestion and have the greatest influence on pancreatic β‐cells causing glucotoxicity if chronic hyperglycemia persists. It is important to choose carbs with a low glycemic index (GI) since they are digested and absorbed more slowly, resulting in a slower and more consistent rise in blood sugar levels. High-fiber carbs, including as sweet potatoes and brown rice, are ideal for diabetic dogs because they give long-lasting energy and help manage blood sugar. In addition to controlling carbohydrates, a diet that is rich in essential nutrients, and proteins plays a vital role in a diabetic dog’s diet as they help regulate blood sugar levels and provide necessary amino acids for overall health. High-quality lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, and fish are not only low in fat but also provide essential vitamins and minerals. For diabetic dogs who also have chronic pancreatitis or persistent hypertriglyceridemia, dietary fat restriction (< 30% of metabolizable energy [ME]) is advised. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for overall health and have anti-inflammatory qualities, may be found in healthy fats. Coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oil are some sources of good fats. Adding a range of fruits and vegetables to your diabetic dog’s diet is also essential. These supply vital minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. nutrients like DHA and EPA Fish oil (omega-3) can assist by bolstering the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response, and zinc, selenium, and vitamin A can strengthen the immune system. • High quantities of beta-glucans and omega-3 fatty acids from fish help the body’s innate anti-inflammatory mechanism and enhance insulin sensitivity. fermentable fiber to help maintain intestinal health. The body produces L-carnitine, a substance that resembles a vitamin, from amino acids. It only occurs naturally in protein sources derived from animals. It has been utilized to aid in the metabolism of fat in various species, and current research indicates that it can aid in the weight loss of overweight dogs. However, because they might result in an abrupt rise in blood sugar levels, high-sugar fruits and vegetables such raisins and grapes should be avoided. For dogs with diabetes to maintain a healthy weight, frequent exercise is crucial in addition to a healthy diet. In obese dogs, regulated weight loss can assist increase insulin sensitivity after glycemic control is achieved.
Feeding plans and portion management for dogs with diabetes:
In order to prevent blood sugar spikes, feed the dogs the daily allotment of food divided into several little meals. The weight, age, and activity level of the dog will determine the portion size. Accurate food measurement is essential to prevent overfeeding. The optimum weight should be used to determine the appropriate meal size, not the present weight. The maximal activity of given insulin is synchronized with the gut’s absorption of glucose. When a dog receives insulin once a day, roughly 10 to 12 hours after the injection, the remaining 1/3 of the daily diet should be provided. When giving insulin to dogs twice a day, 12 hours apart from each other, 1/2 of the daily dose should be provided before the meal. hygienic drinking There ought to be access to clean drinking water at all times. A decrease in excessive water intake suggests that diabetes mellitus is being well managed.
Conclusion:
A diet that is customized to meet the needs of both the owner and the dog is optimal for a canine with diabetes; it should include less fat, more complex carbs, and more fiber. You can also use one of the many prescription diets that have been carefully designed to control diabetes. To attain stability, regular veterinary visits are required during the initial phases of diabetes mellitus. Following appropriate dietary control, the frequency of visits decreases later on. It is possible to stabilize dogs with diabetes on a closely monitored program by making dietary adjustments and adding beneficial nutritional supplements. These strategies are also helpful for helping obese individuals lose weight.
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