Wide variations in postprandial glucose elevations and insulin concentrations to different foods have been reported in canines. For this reason it has been proposed that foods which produce a low postprandial glucose concentration should be used in diabetic and obese dogs. In humans it is well known that low fibre diets with a high glycaemic response increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus whereas high fibre diets with a low glycaemic response reduce free fatty acid levels which are associated with abdominal obesity and high risk of cardiovascular disease. High carbohydrate/ high fibre diets increase disposal of peripheral glucose thereby reducing insulin requirements in insulin-dependent diabetics. In overweight noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients, decreasing postprandial glycaemic response enhances overall blood glucose and lipid control.