Dealing with Diabetes2 and remembering Goldi Community Group
A support group for individuals with Type2 diabetes. Encouragement, empathy, advice, and personal experiences from members dealing with the illness. A friendly environment with compassion and support as our main objective.
My Rats have a cat to chase them around, I may give them a dose of metformin in their Chicken But don;t know if I'd stretch to insulin injections.
I saw a Rat in the Street the other day and I could swear it was "Ben". remember him or maybe just one of his many offspring.
What kinds of treats are suitable for a rat with diabetes?
Adult diabetic rats can be given nutritious low carbohydrate treats, or treats with low levels of rapid glucose- releasing carbohydrates such as kale, spring greens, broccoli, carrot, pulses, nuts, whole grain pasta/bread/rice. Small amounts of protein foods (oily fish, chicken, egg) are fine, in line with a healthy diet for any adult rat.
Are there any supplements that might help?
There are definitely a few supplements that are worth trying as there is some evidence that they might be useful in helping to maintain healthy glucose metabolism.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) – this is a chemical that is similar to a vitamin. It is an antioxidant; a substance that prevents cell damage. There have been studies in animals and people that have suggested beneficial effects, such as increased glucose uptake in muscle, sensitivity of the body to insulin and reduced diabetic neuropathy. Dose approximately 80mg daily.
Biotin – increases the activity of the enzyme glucokinase. This enzyme is responsible for the first step of glucose use within the body. Supplements of biotin may cause a fall in blood glucose levels in diabetics. Dose approximately 1.6mg daily.
Chromium – may improve glucose tolerance, lower fasting glucose levels, decrease insulin levels. Brewers yeast contains high levels of chromium or you can buy chromium as a supplement. Dose approximately 5 to 20 micrograms daily.
Coenzyme Q10 – a compound that occurs naturally in the body, and may be able to help with carbohydrate metabolism. It is has been proven that animals suffering from diabetes are often coenzyme Q10 deficient. Research to date shows that coenzyme Q10 supplementation may lower blood sugar levels. Dose approximately 6 to 15mg daily.
Fenugreek – in animal and several small, human trials, fenugreek seeds have been found to lower fasting serum glucose levels, both acutely and chronically. It is easiest to give in powdered form. Holland and Barret sell a powder in capsule form, but the capsules can be opened to release the powder. Dose half to two thirds of one 610mg capsule daily.
Magnesium and manganese – diabetics are commonly deficient in these minerals, both of which directly influence glucose metabolism. Human diabetics supplementing with magnesium have even sometimes been able to reduce their dose of insulin. Dose approximately 0.2 to 0.5mg manganese and 30 to 40mg of magnesium daily. Both minerals are included in a wide-ranging multivitamin and mineral supplement like Dr Squiggles.
Zinc – thought to be crucial to insulin metabolism. Can be lost in increased urination so supplementation is recommended. Also in Dr Squiggles.
NB. All doses quoted here are based on a tenth of the human dose. Although the daily amounts are quoted, because of the ongoing nature of metabolism it is wise to split the daily dose into at least two or three smaller doses across the day.
Does exercise make a difference?
Definitely. Exercise aids glucose metabolism by increasing sensitivity to insulin and also reduces body fat. By far the best was to ‘exercise’ a rat is to house it in an appropriately large cage with good climbing opportunities (i.e. beds and levels in the roof of the cage), and then remove all ramps so that the rats have to move form level to level by climbing. This involves far more exertion than ambling up ramps and ladders. Lots of stimulating ‘out-time’ should also be provided which should include the opportunity for the rat to climb, run and /or stair climb. Many people say that they find it hard to get male rats to move. I used to think this was a male trait, but it may be partly due to the fact that many male rats are overweight and unfit, and therefore find it more difficult to remain active. Since not using cage ramps, and making an effort not to overfeed my own rats I have noticed that the bucks are much more active and energetic when out of the cage. Keeping our rats slim, fit and active has a major role to place in the prevention of many diseases.
What if I need to give insulin?
Insulin is injected using a very fine needle and is an almost painless treatment. If your rat needs to be given insulin you will be taught how to do these injections at home. It is given just under the skin usually around the neck or flanks of the rat. Starting dosage is recommended as one unit of U40 strength, or 0.01 ml, per 50 grams of body weight. If U40 strength is unavailable, U100 can be diluted to the appropriate strength by one's vet. Dosage may be increased to as much as 2 units per 50 grams of body weight. Some blood monitoring will be needed to establish the right dose for an individual rat. The injection should be given in the evening just before feeding time. There may also be oral medications that your vet is willing to prescribe for your rat, which will stimulate the utilisation of insulin. It is always worth asking.
I saw a Rat in the Street the other day and I could swear it was "Ben". remember him or maybe just one of his many offspring.
What kinds of treats are suitable for a rat with diabetes?
Adult diabetic rats can be given nutritious low carbohydrate treats, or treats with low levels of rapid glucose- releasing carbohydrates such as kale, spring greens, broccoli, carrot, pulses, nuts, whole grain pasta/bread/rice. Small amounts of protein foods (oily fish, chicken, egg) are fine, in line with a healthy diet for any adult rat.
Are there any supplements that might help?
There are definitely a few supplements that are worth trying as there is some evidence that they might be useful in helping to maintain healthy glucose metabolism.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) – this is a chemical that is similar to a vitamin. It is an antioxidant; a substance that prevents cell damage. There have been studies in animals and people that have suggested beneficial effects, such as increased glucose uptake in muscle, sensitivity of the body to insulin and reduced diabetic neuropathy. Dose approximately 80mg daily.
Biotin – increases the activity of the enzyme glucokinase. This enzyme is responsible for the first step of glucose use within the body. Supplements of biotin may cause a fall in blood glucose levels in diabetics. Dose approximately 1.6mg daily.
Chromium – may improve glucose tolerance, lower fasting glucose levels, decrease insulin levels. Brewers yeast contains high levels of chromium or you can buy chromium as a supplement. Dose approximately 5 to 20 micrograms daily.
Coenzyme Q10 – a compound that occurs naturally in the body, and may be able to help with carbohydrate metabolism. It is has been proven that animals suffering from diabetes are often coenzyme Q10 deficient. Research to date shows that coenzyme Q10 supplementation may lower blood sugar levels. Dose approximately 6 to 15mg daily.
Fenugreek – in animal and several small, human trials, fenugreek seeds have been found to lower fasting serum glucose levels, both acutely and chronically. It is easiest to give in powdered form. Holland and Barret sell a powder in capsule form, but the capsules can be opened to release the powder. Dose half to two thirds of one 610mg capsule daily.
Magnesium and manganese – diabetics are commonly deficient in these minerals, both of which directly influence glucose metabolism. Human diabetics supplementing with magnesium have even sometimes been able to reduce their dose of insulin. Dose approximately 0.2 to 0.5mg manganese and 30 to 40mg of magnesium daily. Both minerals are included in a wide-ranging multivitamin and mineral supplement like Dr Squiggles.
Zinc – thought to be crucial to insulin metabolism. Can be lost in increased urination so supplementation is recommended. Also in Dr Squiggles.
NB. All doses quoted here are based on a tenth of the human dose. Although the daily amounts are quoted, because of the ongoing nature of metabolism it is wise to split the daily dose into at least two or three smaller doses across the day.
Does exercise make a difference?
Definitely. Exercise aids glucose metabolism by increasing sensitivity to insulin and also reduces body fat. By far the best was to ‘exercise’ a rat is to house it in an appropriately large cage with good climbing opportunities (i.e. beds and levels in the roof of the cage), and then remove all ramps so that the rats have to move form level to level by climbing. This involves far more exertion than ambling up ramps and ladders. Lots of stimulating ‘out-time’ should also be provided which should include the opportunity for the rat to climb, run and /or stair climb. Many people say that they find it hard to get male rats to move. I used to think this was a male trait, but it may be partly due to the fact that many male rats are overweight and unfit, and therefore find it more difficult to remain active. Since not using cage ramps, and making an effort not to overfeed my own rats I have noticed that the bucks are much more active and energetic when out of the cage. Keeping our rats slim, fit and active has a major role to place in the prevention of many diseases.
What if I need to give insulin?
Insulin is injected using a very fine needle and is an almost painless treatment. If your rat needs to be given insulin you will be taught how to do these injections at home. It is given just under the skin usually around the neck or flanks of the rat. Starting dosage is recommended as one unit of U40 strength, or 0.01 ml, per 50 grams of body weight. If U40 strength is unavailable, U100 can be diluted to the appropriate strength by one's vet. Dosage may be increased to as much as 2 units per 50 grams of body weight. Some blood monitoring will be needed to establish the right dose for an individual rat. The injection should be given in the evening just before feeding time. There may also be oral medications that your vet is willing to prescribe for your rat, which will stimulate the utilisation of insulin. It is always worth asking.
Go Ben!
He wanted to know where our Restaurant is so he and his pals could call by for some Nosh,
Don't worry I didn't, inform.
Anyhow he says he's gone Kosher now, and love's to eat Cream Cheese bagels.
He and his mates can strip a bagel down to thin air in 2 minutes.
LONG LIVE BEN and all his descendants