Royal Canin Diabetic is formulated to help regulate blood glucose levels in cats with diabetes.

Animals with diabetes are not able to regulate their blood glucose (sugar) levels normally due to insufficient levels of insulin. Insulin is a hormone released from the pancreas, that signals to the cells of the body to take in glucose to use as energy. When there is not enough insulin produced by the pancreas, or the cells become insulin resistant, the glucose remains in the blood causing hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose). In cats, diabetes appears to be similar in character to Type 2 diabetes in humans. There appears to be both a failure of the pancreas to release enough insulin, and a degree of insulin resistance in the cells of the body. Obesity plays a big part in increasing the risk of a cat developing diabetes. Obese cats are 3.9 times more likely to develop diabetes. This is thought to be because the fatty tissue of the body acts as an organ in its own right, releasing hormones that alter metabolism and contribute to insulin resistance. Genetics can also increase the risk of a cat developing diabetes, particularly for Burmese cats, who are 4 times more likely to develop diabetes than standard domestic breeds.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Cats:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Weight loss
• Ravenous appetite

If you think your cat may have diabetes, you should consult your veterinarian. They can diagnose diabetes by testing glucose levels in the blood and urine. Treatment for diabetes involves twice daily insulin injections as well as dietary modification and weight loss. In some cases there is even a chance that treatment can result in complete remission of the diabetes, particularly with weight loss and appropriate dietary modification. Unlike dogs, who are omnivores, cats are obligate carnivores. Their metabolism is designed to use protein and fat as an energy source, rather than carbohydrates. Many clinical studies have proven that feeding a high protein, low carbohydrate diet to cats with diabetes results in better control of blood glucose levels and increased rates of remission. High protein, low carbohydrate diets have also been clinically proven to assist obese cats to lose weight.

Royal Canin Diabetic is high in protein and low in carbohydrate to help manage blood glucose levels. It also contains cereals of low glycaemic index and psyllium mucilages to reduce hyperglycaemia after eating. Because obese and overweight cats are at higher risk of insulin resistance, Royal Canin Diabetic contains a moderate energy content to help maintain an optimal body condition. In addition, it is supplemented with l-carnitine to promote the burning of fat and the maintenance of lean muscle mass. For cats with diabetes, Royal Canin Diabetic is recommended to be fed for their entire lifetime, even if they go into remission. It can increase your cats sensitivity to insulin, so it is important that their blood glucose levels are monitored when starting the diet so that their insulin dosage can be adjusted if necessary.

Key Benefits:

• Low carbohydrate and high protein for better control of blood glucose levels
• Low glycaemic index cereals and psyllium mucilages to reduce hyperglycaemia after eating
• Moderate energy content to help maintain optimal body condition
• L-carnitine to encourage fat burning and maintenance of lean muscle mass
• Designed as a lifelong food for cats with diabetes

Not recommended for pregnancy, lactation, or growing kittens.