Obesity is the most commonly recognized risk factor for feline diabetes. Overweight cats have 4.6 times greater risk of diabetes than cats in ideal body condition.1
The most common form of diabetes seen in cats is Type 2 diabetes, accounting for about 90% of cases.1
Affected cats develop insulin resistance and their pancreatic beta cells fail to compensate, leading to persistent hyperglycemia. Although feline diabetes can be managed with medication, studies show that weight management can have a significant impact on the health of diabetic cats.
A 1 kg increase in bodyweight in cats can equate to 30% decrease in insulin sensitivity.2
Clinical studies show that nutrition can play a key role in managing diabetes mellitus.
In cats fed an ultra-low carbohydrate, high-protein diet: 3
Additionally, high amounts of dietary protein may improve lean body mass after weight loss through: