Diabetes mellitus in cats is caused by the cat's body not being able to process or make enough blood sugar (glucose) to keep the cat healthy. Cornell University notes that diabetes happens most to older, overweight cats. In addition to daily insulin shots, diabetic cats need to be kept on a strict diet.
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Commercial Foods
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"Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" recommends Hill's Prescription Diet Feline r/d wet and dry food for cats with diabetes. This is available from veterinarians and some specialty pet food stores.
Diet Cat Foods
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Hill's r/d is specifically made for overweight cats. Cornell University says that any commercial diet low-fat cat food can be fed, as long as your veterinarian approves.
Considerations
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If the cat is underweight, then he would need high-calorie or kitten food fed in small amounts five or six times a day to get to a normal weight. Then the food can be switched to diet food.
Warning
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Do not leave food out all of the time for the cat to eat at will. Only leave the food out for 10 or 15 minutes in order to help the cat regulate her blood sugar.
Potential
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"Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" notes that sometimes an obese cat can have diabetes managed just through diet and not need insulin shots.
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