Managing Metabolic Issues and Sugar

Written By Dana Brigman

When your dog gets a diabetes diagnosis, it can feel like a lot of rules and very few solutions. But managing this condition doesn’t have to be all medication and worry.

Let’s break it down: what diabetes actually does in your dog’s body, what systems are affected, and what you can start doing right now to support better function, better food processing, and hopefully, better outcomes.

What Is Diabetes in Dogs?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder. It shows up when the body either:

  • Doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1), or

  • Becomes resistant to insulin (Type 2)

Insulin is the hormone that moves glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells for energy. Without it, sugar builds up in the blood—and cells starve.

Over time, this imbalance puts serious stress on your dog’s organs.

Systems Most Affected

The Endocrine System

The pancreas sits at the center of this system. It’s responsible for producing insulin. When it’s inflamed, stressed, or damaged, insulin production drops—and sugar builds up in the blood.

The Metabolic System

This system helps your dog convert food into usable energy. If the pancreas is struggling, digestion and nutrient use become inefficient. The body starts breaking down muscle and fat to keep going, which leads to weight loss, fatigue, and eventually, more damage.

What You Might Notice

If your dog’s been diagnosed, you may already be seeing:

  • Increased thirst

  • Frequent urination

  • Bigger appetite

  • Weight loss

  • Low energy

These symptoms reflect what’s going wrong inside—not just on the surface.

See your veterinarian for an official diagnosis. Then you and I can collaborate on a wellness strategy to support your dog.

Kibble and the Blood Sugar Problem

Most commercial dog food (yes, even the expensive kind) is loaded with starchy carbohydrates. You might see “grain-free” on the label, but that doesn’t mean sugar-free.

The average kibble contains 30–60% carbs.

Here’s the issue:

  • Dogs have zero need for carbohydrates.

  • Starches like peas, rice, corn, and white potatoes break down into glucose.

  • That glucose stresses the pancreas and spikes insulin demand.

  • Over time, that demand leads to resistance or burnout.

It’s a vicious cycle. One that a fresh food diet can help break.

How Fresh Food Helps Regulate the Metabolic System

Switching to a species-appropriate, low-carb diet is one of the most effective ways to support diabetic dogs.

Focus on:

  • Lean animal proteins: turkey, fish, rabbit, duck

  • Organ meats: provide bioavailable nutrients

  • Non-starchy vegetables: zucchini, leafy greens, broccoli

  • Healthy fats: sardines, MCT oil, small amounts of olive oil

  • Fermented foods: kefir, fermented veggies for gut support

Avoid:

  • Grains, legumes, peas, potatoes

  • Sugary or starchy treats

  • Ultra-processed or synthetic-heavy foods

Keep in mind: high-fat diets may slow digestion, especially if your dog is on insulin. The goal is balance, not extremes.

The Pancreas: What It Needs from You

The pancreas does two jobs:

  • Makes digestive enzymes

  • Produces insulin

If it’s constantly overworked—processing junk food, compensating for imbalances—it starts to wear out.

To support it naturally:

  • Feed foods that contain natural enzymes (raw meats, fermented items)

  • Consider digestive enzyme supplementation

  • Reduce inflammatory ingredients

  • Support detox pathways through liver-friendly herbs like milk thistle or burdock

  • Use gentle tools like Raindrop Technique or diluted essential oils (fennel, German chamomile) to help ease stress on the system

Weight, Insulin Resistance, and Why It Matters

Overweight dogs are more likely to develop insulin resistance. That’s not just a theory—it’s well documented.

Extra fat tissue causes inflammation and blocks proper insulin function. That makes blood sugar harder to control, even with meds.

A lean body means:

  • Less inflammation

  • Better insulin sensitivity

  • Lower stress on the organs

Don’t focus just on pounds—look at body condition. You want muscle, not padding.

Other Holistic Tools to Explore

If your dog is already on insulin, natural support is still useful. It’s not about replacing medication—it’s about strengthening the systems involved.

Here are general categories to consider:

  • Essential Oils: Fennel, coriander, and metabolic blends may support pancreas or digestion when used correctly

  • Herbs: Gymnema, fenugreek, and liver-supporting herbs can be helpful

  • Homeopathy: Useful for systemic balance, sugar metabolism, or emotional stress

  • PEMF or Red Light Therapy: To improve circulation and cellular energy

  • Ozone Therapy: May be worth exploring for chronic inflammation or toxicity

You’ll find more details on these options inside my member area.

Top 5 Things to Do Right Now

  • Switch to a fresh, low-starch diet

  • Cut out all processed and starchy treats

  • Add enzyme support for digestion

  • Focus on maintaining a lean, muscular body condition

  • Support detox pathways to reduce inflammation

What Comes Next

There’s no one-size-fits-all protocol for diabetes. But there are better ways to support your dog’s body—and nutrition is always step one.

Want the full protocol with product suggestions, cycle timing, and step-by-step instructions? That’s what my membership and client programs are for.

Let’s get your dog the personalized support they need.

FDA Disclaimer:
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Want even more resources, Q&A, and discussions on nutrition?
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Dana Brigman
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