DIABETES Diabetes is a condition that some animals get when they are unable to produce insulin or when their cells are not sensitive to the effects of this hormone. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is responsible for helping cells to take up glucose or sugars from the blood stream. In turn this glucose or sugar is used by cells to produce energy. Diabetic animals are typically overweight, they constantly want to eat, they drink a lot and also pee a lot and they often have poor energy levels. Dogs especially are prone to getting cataracts where the lens in their eyes becomes cloudy and they can become blind. Animals that have had diabetes for a while can be at risk as the glucose that backlogs in their bloodstream can turn into ketones which are toxic and in this state they can die. Since dogs and cats are carnivores, they depend on meat to meet their energy needs. When they are fed diets high in carbohydrates, which is unfortunately the case with many commercial foods, cats especially are prone to becoming obese and can develop diabetes. l A good supplement that has omega 3 fatty acids Thankfully most animals can be well managed with diabetes and have a good quality of life. Many are well managed by a simple diet change and others require insulin injections and regular blood or urine tests to measure their response to therapy. Omega 3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants are valuable nutrients that may help to regulate blood sugar levels, enhance the health and well-being of your pet and improve their vitality. Diabetes Summary: l Take your pet to the vet for a check if they are drinking excessively, lethargic, insatiable with their food and you can't manage their weight. l Feed your dog and cat a well-balanced wholesome, biologically appropriate diet. and anti-oxidants can help to support your pet's health.