3 must-reads on diabetes nutrition

Diabetes is a common disease in companion animals and is frequently encountered in veterinary practices. In canines, the most common form of diabetes is similar to type 1 diabetes in humans, while the most common form of the disease in felines more closely resembles type 2 diabetes in humans.¹

The following 3 articles provide insights for practitioners about nutrition as a tool for managing diabetes in companion animals:

Managing nutrition with feline diabetes mellitus

John Flanagan, PhD, presented new research at WVC 2026 that shows that a purpose-formulated, low-digestible carbohydrate diet combined with structured caloric restriction substantially increases short-term diabetic remission in overweight, insulin-treated cats.

RELATED ARTICLE: Researchers study vitamin D metabolism in dogs with diabetes

Use nutrition assessment to guide diabetes care in dogs and cats

Martha Cline, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), addresses how A full nutrition assessment should direct therapeutic diet selection in canines and felines with newly diagnosed diabetes.

RELATED VIDEO: Considering endocrine disease with a skin condition

The role of diet in feline diabetes mellitus

Author Mansum Yau, DVM, discusses feeding practices, weight management, and low-carbohydrate food choices that can significantly improve long-term health and treatment outcomes for cats with diabetes.

For more diabetes news and expert insights, visit our online Endocrinology resource center.

Reference

Gaining knowledge about diabetes. dvm360. February 26, 2025. Accessed March 13, 2026. https://www.dvm360.com/view/gaining-knowledge-about-diabetes