A disease of complex and, in some respects, still not fully understood nature, diabetes in dogs and cats is common. Under normal conditions, the level of sugar in the circulating blood is largely regulated by an enzyme, insulin, secreted by particular cellular structures grouped together in clusters known as the islets of Langerhans, which are themselves located within another glandular structure of the digestive system, the pancreas.

Read also: Dai tumori al diabete, come i cani ci salvano la vita

When, for whatever reason, a deficiency in insulin secretion occurs, a sort of chain reaction is triggered that involves the metabolism of carbohydrates (sugars), lipids (fats) and proteins. In other words, the fraction of glucose that is normally retained in various ways by the liver and muscles is "left free" in the bloodstream. The end result of all these interactions is an increase in the quantity of glucose in the blood, giving rise to hyperglycaemia.

Un gatto osserva un cane © Anusha Barwa on Unsplash

Hyperglycaemia is the most evident and characteristic symptom of diabetes mellitus in our four-legged friends too. "In general, the symptoms that alarm the owner and lead the vet to suspect diabetes are related to drinking and eating: the animal drinks a great deal, or in any case far more than usual, and urinates very frequently and in large amounts, eats a lot, and after an initial significant weight gain, loses weight despite the polyphagia, and is weak," explains Dr Laura Cutullo, veterinary surgeon. "These symptoms are, however, common to other conditions as well. What confirms the diagnosis, therefore, is a blood test and a urine test. If the blood shows an abnormal glucose level, or if glucose is present in the urine even in small traces, then one can truly speak of diabetes."

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes in dogs and cats

Diabetes in dogs and cats is now a widespread disease, but one that can be managed if addressed early. In both dogs and cats, blood glucose stabilisation is achieved by administering insulin through adequate and ongoing collaboration between the owner and the vet.

"There are two types of diabetes in animals as well: type 1 – or insulin-dependent, Dr Cutullo continues – caused by a complete absence of insulin secretion; and type 2 – or non-insulin-dependent – in which insulin secretion exists, but the quantity is insufficient or there are conditions that interfere with its action. Around 55 per cent of diabetic cats are type 1 and 45 per cent are type 2, whereas almost all diabetic dogs are type 1."

In any case, appropriate physical activity and adequate nutrition, under strict veterinary supervision, are always of great importance in managing diabetes in our four-legged friends.

Remedies that come from nature

Once again, when it comes to diabetes, a great deal of help can come from nature and its remedies. "There are in fact some exceptionally useful herbal treatments," adds Cutullo, "which, while they do not replace insulin, enhance its hypoglycaemic effect and can be used above all when diabetes can still be managed simply by monitoring diet."

Read also: 7 cose da sapere (più una) sul latte fieno

One of these is fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). In several studies on patients with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, fenugreek was found to have reduced blood glucose, urinary sugar excretion, cholesterol and triglycerides, with no change in insulin levels.
In dogs, which are mostly subject to this type of diabetes, fenugreek seeds can be added to the daily bowl with excellent results. "Also Gymnema sylvestre," continues Laura Cutullo, "which is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes in humans, helps to maintain balanced sugar levels.

Research indicates that gymnema stimulates insulin secretion by increasing the permeability of the islets of Langerhans, allowing a greater quantity of insulin to reach the bloodstream. It also helps to correct metabolic disorders in the liver, kidneys and muscles. And there is more: the gymnemic acids it contains block cholesterol, causing it to be eliminated in the faeces, and enhance the blood glucose-lowering effects of insulin and hypoglycaemic drugs. The dry extract, divided into two daily doses, should be taken at least half an hour before meals."

Another important remedy, often used as a panacea for humans, is turmeric, which plays a significant role in combating this condition. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of turmeric in treating diabetes, especially in obese cats or dogs. The curcuminoids and sesquiterpenes found in Curcuma longa extracts are indeed capable of lowering glucose levels, as well as reducing the complications generated by diabetes mellitus, in addition to exerting a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
"The useful dosage for a dog is around 50–250 mg three times a day (a pinch on the tip of a teaspoon), while for cats 50 mg per day is sufficient. In the case of a curcumin extract, a few drops per day can be used directly in the food," adds the expert.

A final natural remedy is Momordica charantia, also known as bitter melon, a traditional remedy from the islands of the Indian Ocean and Pacific for diabetes mellitus. "Several clinical studies," explains Dr Cutullo, "have shown that its extract lowers blood glucose in subjects with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It contains gurmarin, a polypeptide similar to bovine insulin, which has positive effects in regulating glucose tolerance. It can be used as fresh juice squeezed from the fruit or as a dry extract.

The juice has a very bitter taste, which makes it not easy to administer to our animals. The dry extract, on the other hand, should be given in variable quantities starting from 1 mg per kilogram, twice a day." In any case, none of these natural remedies should be the subject of improvised self-treatment when it comes to diabetes in dogs or cats. The administration of insulin is, in fact, indispensable for the treatment and management of this condition. Consulting the treating vet therefore remains the first option when faced with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in our four-legged friends.