Dietary control is of major importance to the diabetic pet. Remember a consistent diet is a key component of regulation of glucose supply and successful management.

Dietary support helps in avoiding hyperglycaemia and the subsequent complications associated with diabetes. It also aims to maintain a stable, ideal body weight and provide all the nutrients needed for lifetime feeding.

Designed for your pet's particular needs, Royal Canin Diabetic diets are available from your veterinary practice and should be your pet's sole source of food unless advised otherwise. Designed to deliver all the nutrients your pet needs, the diet is also very palatable.

Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) is a relatively common disease in pets. Diabetic pets can generally be managed very effectively with a combination of diet and insulin therapy. Royal Canin Diabetic diets are highly palatable and nutritionally balanced to improve glycaemic (blood sugar) control in pets with diabetes.

Diabetes leads to serious problems with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and your pet may not be able to obtain all the nutrients that they need from their food. Clinical signs associated with diabetes include increased thirst, increased volume and frequency of urination, increased appetite accompanied by weight loss and glucose (sugar) in urine. Diabetic animals may also lack energy or tire easily, have poor coat condition and possibly develop cataracts. In the more advanced and sometimes life-threatening stages of the disease, pets can be severely depressed, vomit or refuse food, or show neurological signs.

Royal Canin Diabetic diet aims to help the body in processing blood sugars. For this reason it can assist the actions of insulin injections and the body's response to the diet should be monitored by your Veterinary Surgeon, particularly during early feeding.

This can occur because of: n Damage to the beta cells (disease of the pancreas) n Disappearance of beta cells (because of ageing) n Failure of tissues to respond to insulin (insulin resistance) n The presence of hormones which antagonise or work in opposition

to insulin e.g. female hormones n Obesity, which may eventually lead to exhaustion of the beta cells

and the development of diabetes

Why are there different types of fibre in the diet? Certain forms of fibre are beneficial to diabetics. Soluble fibre slows down the rate of digestion and optimises a slow, consistent release of sugar into the bloodstream. A blend of both soluble and insoluble sources of dietary fibre provides the optimum effect.

Why should my pet lose weight? Slimming your pet to their ideal weight means they will need less energy to maintain themselves, they may have their daily food allowance reduced and so may need less daily insulin. Ask your Veterinary Surgeon or Nurse to check your pet s weight.

Should my pet be neutered? Neutering your pet may stop hormones from disrupting treatment, therefore making insulin therapy more effective. This should be discussed with your Veterinary Surgeon.

How does insulin reduce blood sugar levels? Insulin reduces blood sugar levels in several ways: n Aids uptake of glucose by the body tissues n Encourages the conversion of glucose to glycogen an energy

source which is stored in the liver n Stops the body from breaking down fat and protein in order

to produce glucose

How long before my pet is cured? Diabetes mellitus cannot usually be cured. Some animals, particularly overweight cats, can go into remission. Successful stabilisation can be achieved for many pets with a combination of insulin therapy, dietary management and a consistent amount of exercise. For success, it is important that you carefully follow the advice of your veterinary practice.

How will I know when my pet s condition is stable? Your Veterinary Surgeon may wish to admit your pet into the hospital for stabilisation. This allows them to accurately determine the amount of insulin required daily under controlled conditions and a fixed diet. Once stabilised, your pet will usually be discharged for insulin injections at home in conjunction with a fixed diet and daily routine.

How much and how often do I give my pet insulin? Your Veterinary Surgeon will develop a management plan for your pet. They will likely advise: n Amount of insulin your pet requires n Type of insulin necessary for your pet n How to inject your pet n What time the insulin should be given n The best feeding pattern for your pet

The recommended diet

Changing your pet s diet

The key features of Royal Canin Diabetic diets are:

n High protein level to promote lean body mass

n Low glycaemic index cereals to optimise a slow release of sugar into the blood

n Low carbohydrate levels to help moderate blood glucose release

n Restricted fat content

n Enhanced vitamin and mineral content

n Enriched with an optimum antioxidant complex

Royal Canin Canine Diabetic diets are enriched in antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin C, taurine and lutein) to help maintain health and vitality.

'Antioxidant' is a general term for nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and other components naturally present in many foods. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals produced during normal body metabolism that can cause damage to body cells. Free radical production increases when your pet is ill.

Changing your pet s diet should always be carried out over several days. It is not uncommon for pets to refuse a new diet or to suffer from stomach upsets if the change is not gradual. On day 1, begin by adding a small amount of the new diet to your pet s existing food. As each day passes, add more of the new diet to less of the original food, until eventually you are only feeding the new diet. This change should take around 5-7 days.

Royal Canin are leaders in palatability. So confident are we that your pet will enjoy their food that we offer a no quibble, money-back guarantee. Simply return the food to your veterinary practice for a full refund*.

* Terms and conditions apply

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS What causes diabetes mellitus?

The pancreas has small, specialised groups of cells (alpha and beta) which produce the hormones glucagon and insulin. These two hormones work together in the healthy pet to maintain blood sugar levels within a precise range. Diabetes mellitus occurs when the beta cells are unable to produce insulin, or are unable to produce enough insulin to meet the body s needs.

A specific diet for your pet

Key features

Antioxidants

GLUCO MODULATION

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