Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder. We also differentiate between so-called type I and type II diabetes for animals.

Dogs

Dogs usually suffer from type I diabetes, in which the insulin-producing pancreas cells are harmed or destroyed. Afflicted animals suffer from a deficiency in insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Due to the absence of this hormone, the cells are not provided with sufficient energy even though the blood contains enough sugar.

The body attempts to compensate this cellular energy deficiency by decomposing (catabolising) body fat and muscles (protein). As a result, toxic metabolic products accumulate in the excretory organs.

Despite normal appetite, affected animals lose weight, get weak, suffer from poor wound healing and continuous clouding of the lens.

Coprinus is recommended for type I diabetes. This medicinal mushroom protects the insulin-producing ß-cells in the pancreas. When consumed in form the of whole mushroom powder, the vanadium in Coprinus has effects similar to those of insulin.

Agaricus blazei murrill (ABM) regulates the immune system and strengthens the pancreas and the spleen. In order to support the excretory organs and strengthen the renal (kidney) functions, Cordyceps is recommended, while Reishi serves to strengthen the lungs and liver.

Cats

Cats usually suffer from type II diabetes, which is often caused by overweight and chronic physical inactivity. Most cat foods contain too many carbohydrates, which promotes obesity and diabetes.

After feeding, the blood sugar level rises too quickly and the pancreas release insulin in response. The cells try to protect themselves from excess sugar and thus admit only as much sugar as they can burn. If there is a sugar excess, the sugar will not be absorbed by the cells even though the blood contains sufficient insulin. Orthodox medicine calls this phenomenon insulin resistance.

If the supplied glucose exceeds that which the organism needs, the liver converts the excess glucose to fat and stores it there (and later in the form of body fat).

Cats suffering from diabetes have a strong appetite while being listless and prone to infections and cystitis (bladder inflammation). Characteristic secondary feline diseases are arteriosclerosis, circulatory disorders and chronic renal failure.

The treatment requires a rigorous dietary change. In combination with medicinal mushrooms, this serves to normalise the blood sugar level, which obviates the need for external insulin in the long run.

The bioactive polysaccharides in Coprinus significantly lower the blood sugar level. When consumed in the form of whole mushroom powder, the vanadium in Coprinus has effects similar to those of insulin.

Type II diabetes sufferers should combine Coprinus with Maitake. The latter improves fat burning and helps to resolve the lipid metabolism disorders in the liver and to break down fat.

Horses

As with cats, horses also suffer from type II diabetes; from the so-called equine metabolic syndrome. Apart from overweight and physical inactivity, it might also be caused by the equine Cushing syndrome. One of the most characteristic symptoms of the equine metabolic syndrome is laminitis.

Horses suffering from the equine metabolic syndrome are treated with – as is the case for type II diabetes – Coprinus and Maitake. If laminitis is already present, Auricularia helps to improve the blood circulation to the hoof corium. It increases the blood oxygen supply and fluidity and strengthens the vessels.

Reishi helps alleviate pain and counteract inflammation. As with Auricularia, it improves the oxygen supply and has a cortisone-like effect.

Note

The effects described are based on the ingestion of medicinal mushroom powder which is prepared from the whole mushroom. Please seek advice from your animal therapist before using.