Diabetes Dietary Treatment - Timing of Meals

The feeding schedule of pets receiving insulin should be planned so that nutrients are delivered to the body during peak periods of exogenous insulin activity. This span will be determined by the type of insulin used and the time of day it is administered. Several small meals should be provided throughout the period of insulin activity, as opposed to feeding a single large meal. Feeding several small meals helps minimize postprandial fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Other factors that affect the degree of hyperglycemia that occurs following a meal include the composition of the food and the type of insulin administered.



If insulin is administered early in the morning, the first meal should be given immediately before the insulin injection. If the pet refuses to eat on any occasion, the insulin injection can be withheld, thereby preventing the subsequent possibility of hypoglycemia. The remaining three or four meals in the day can be given at equally spaced intervals, depending on the action of the insulin used. Taking blood samples and measuring blood glucose levels every 1 to 2 hours throughout a 24-hour period will indicate if the feeding schedule coincides adequately with insulin activity. If postprandial blood glucose levels rise above 180 milligrams, (mg)/deciliter (dl), the interval between feeding and insulin administration should be decreased. If hyperglycemia still occurs, the size of the meal should be decreased and/or the number of meals provided per day should be increased. Likewise, a meal should always be provided within 1 to 2 hours following the lowest blood glucose level.



Once an appropriate pet food and feeding schedule have been selected, the management program should be strictly adhered to. Pets that have previously been fed free-choice should be gradually switched to the new regimen. Although most dogs will adapt quickly, cats can be very resistant to changes in their feeding routine and in the type of food that is fed. This resistance can make dietary management of a diabetic cat difficult for some owners. Mixing the new food into the cat's previous food and changing to a meal-feeding regimen over a period of several weeks can help decrease these problems. Allowing cats to nibble over the period of insulin activity is also effective in some cases. Supplemental food should not be given, and feeding times should vary as little as possible. Periodic monitoring of blood glucose levels can be used to adjust the diet as the pet loses weight, changes the amount of exercise it gets, or requires adjustments in insulin dosage.

Type 2 Diabetes - Lower Blood Sugar Levels After Meals - It Is Important

Obtaining a blood glucose spike after eating food is very frequent in those with Diabetes 2. Most times, it's moderate if you are practicing moderation and portion control with carbohydrates, fats, and sweets. However, at times, the spikes may be more dramatic. Some people get surprised when they get their A1C test results and see their glucose levels are significantly higher than expected. If they have not monitored their glucose levels after eating, it may be a real shock. A1C measures the amount of glucose that passes through the blood over a two to three month period. Your daily readings may not show the spikes after eating, but your A1C will show it.



If individuals with Type Diabetes 2 do not practicing moderation and portion control, their spikes in blood glucose levels may be extremely severe. If you suspect you are getting these blood glucose readings spikes, change your glucose monitoring. Check your levels right before you eat and then again about an hour after you eat. Compare the two figures to see how high your glucose level rose. If you see a significant change, you likely are seeing these post meal spikes in your blood sugar. It is essential to get these under control if possible. Your type 2 diabetes will only get worse if you do not.



How do you lower your glucose levels after eating? Take a slow (10-15 minute) paced walk or just stroll right after eating. Physical exertion lowers glucose levels. It also slows down digestion a lot and that regulates or 'steadies' the blood sugar levels. Another method is to change what you are eating. Anything with low value carbohydrates will cause glucose to rise sharply. Starchy foods are particularly bad about this. Add a lot more more fruit and vegetables to your new diet. Add more fiber to slow the rate of digestion. Experiment with your injections of insulin. You need to time them so that they are at the highest level when the glucose is.



You might know that for sufferers with Type Diabetes 2, they should know both their blood sugar readings and their overall glucose profile or general patterns. Take regular readings for a couple of weeks and record the results. You may begin to see patterns with what you are eating affecting your glucose levels. Be sure to record food intake and physical activity in addition to your glucose readings. This gives the data that will suggest any problems or issues. A Type 2 Diabetes sufferer's healthcare team or other Type Diabetes 2 specialists will also love to see this data to observe how well they approach their Diabetes from day to day.