Small animal clinical nutrition - obesity and diabetes Flashcards
Fat homeostasis is inclined to
preserve fat over lose it.
White fat vs brown fat
White fat:
adipocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts etc.
loose connective tissue
highly vascularized and innervated
Brown fat:
packed with iron-rich mitochondria
stores less energy
What hormones does white fat produce?
Produces hormones like leptin (regulates hunger) and adiponectin (influences insulin sensitivity).
Obesity is in fact what type of constant state?
Consequences of obesity?
proinflammatory condition
*Shorter life expectancy (25% overweight can shorten life for 15%)
*Skeletal diseases
*Coronary diseases
*Diabetes
*Fatigue and exercise intolerance
*Reproductive diseases
*Skin problems
*Weakened immune system
*Cancer
BCS ideal on scale of 9.
4
Principles of nutritional management of obesity. (4)
Reduce food quantities – reduction of calories, but also technically reduction of all nutrients.
Reduce the energy content of food (reduce carbs), replace fat with protein and non-digestible substances.
Increase non-digestible fibers in food. This leads to better satiety and prevents begging.
L-carnitine, is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that helps to use body fat more efficiently for energy.
How does L-carnitine aid in losing excess body weight?
L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that plays a critical role in fat metabolism.
It is often marketed as a weight loss supplement, as it aids in the transportation of fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells, where they can be burned for energy.
L-carnitine is most effective for weight loss when combined with regular exercise.
Concept of metabolic veterinary diets for small animals.
Metabolic foods that change the metabolism from fat storage to fat burning.
Use of unique metabolism e.g. such as in cats. Food is extremely low in carbohydrates (and low glycemic index) but high in protein - ideal for cat gut.
The Necessary glucose the brain needs is
produced from proteins in the liver.
Then, Necessary energy is produced from body fats via ketogenesis.
L-carnitine is included (promotes fat oxidation)
Slightly increased insoluble food fiber levels.
This type of diet is Also ideal diet for diabetic cats.
Common obstacles to pets losing weight?
Inaccurate nutrition history (owners omit treats, kids/granny/neighbors)
Insufficient guidance of owners (only thing through mouth except water is special diet in precisely measured quantities)
Exercise habits (too little physical activity)
Risk factors for pets developing diabetes mellitus. (7)
*Previous or concurrent hyperadrenocorticism/Cushings
*Recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis
*Stress
*Age (7+)
*Obesity (espesh cats)
*Genetics/breed (Samoyeds, Siberian husky, keeshond, Finnish spitz, miniature
schnauzer and miniature poodle, border collie, Norwegian elkhound, beagle)
*Improper time of neutering (dog) – during proestrus
Neutering a female dog during proestrus can lead to
hormonal imbalances that may exacerbate insulin resistance, elevate blood sugar levels, and stress the pancreas, all of which can contribute to the development of diabetes mellitus.
To minimize this risk, it is advisable to avoid neutering during the heat cycle, particularly during proestrus, and instead perform the surgery during more hormonally stable periods such as anestrus.
How does sex affect diabetes in small animals?
Female dogs, especially those that are intact, have a higher risk of developing diabetes than males.
During the heat cycle, levels of progesterone increase, which can lead to insulin resistance. Progesterone antagonizes insulin, making it more difficult for cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream, which can result in persistent hyperglycemia.
In contrast to dogs, male cats—particularly neutered males—are at a higher risk of developing diabetes than females. Neutered males are more likely to become obese, which is a significant risk factor for diabetes in cats.
Neutered male cats are prone to weight gain due to a reduced metabolic rate and increased food intake post-neutering. Obesity leads to insulin resistance.
Etiology of Type I diabetes mellitus.
Inability of beta cells to synthesize insulin
Etiology of Type II diabetes mellitus.
Insulin non-sensitivity of peripheral tissues, insufficient insulin production
Frequency of type I diabetes in dogs and cats.
Dogs: >95%
Cats: 20% or less
What is a glycemic index?
The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking system that measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar (glucose) levels after consumption.
It assigns a number to carbohydrate-containing foods based on how much they increase blood glucose levels within two hours of eating.
The scale ranges from 0 to 100, with pure glucose being the reference point at 100.
Low GI (55 or less): These foods are digested and absorbed slowly, leading to a gradual increase in blood sugar levels.
Examples: Lentils, chickpeas, whole oats, apples, carrots.
High GI (70 or more): These foods are rapidly digested and absorbed, causing a quick and significant rise in blood sugar levels.
Examples: White bread, sugary cereals, potatoes, watermelon.
