The role of dietary management in feline diabetes mellitus is to provide a proper balance of nutrients while meeting the special dietary needs of the patient. Cats are unique in their requirement to metabolize high concentrations of dietary protein. A high percentage of protein is used for gluconeogenesis. The increased concentration of high quality protein in this diet provides the cat's essential amino acid requirements and a substrate for glucose production. With glucose production from dietary amino acids, the carbohydrate content of the diet may be dramatically reduced as with this formulation. Glucose derived from hepatic gluconeogenesis is delivered to the bloodstream at a slower rate compared to the release of glucose from digestion of dietary carbohydrate. The result is a more consistent, steady release of glucose and the potential for reduced insulin requirements.