UNDERSTANDING
INSULIN RESISTANCE
February 2015
Written by Performance Horse Nutrition
What is it?
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells become less sensitive to the insulin that is being produced. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted or produced and released from the pancreas. Insulin is released in response to an increase in glucose levels in the blood following a meal containing sugars or starches. Insulin then stimulates cells in the body to take up this circulating glucose from the blood. Once in the cells, glucose is used for energy or it is converted for storage as glycogen or fat. Horses suffering from insulin resistance show a breakdown of this system.
What are the symptoms?
- Abnormal fat deposits such as a cresty neck or lumpy fat patches which persist even if the horse loses weight, fatty sheath
- History of laminitis commonly induced by grass
- Puffiness in the hollows above the eyes
- Advanced symptoms include increased thirst and urination, loss of body condition and muscle wasting and low energy levels. Above normal insulin with normal blood glucose.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of insulin resistance is not known. However, several possible causes include: Diet – when fed high sugar/starch feeds horses can become insulin resistant. Obesity – Overweight horses tend to be insulin resistant, as are “easy keepers” even if they are not obese. Age – Old horses (>20 years) seem to be more prone to insulin resistance. Breed – Ponies tend to have higher degrees of insulin resistance than Warmbloods or Standardbreds. Breeds that are prone to developing cresty necks and obesity, such as Morgans and some lines of Arabians, Quarter horses, may be more likely to develop insulin resistance.
Diagnosis:
The best way to determine if your horse has insulin resistance is by getting your veterinarian to measure resting serum insulin concentrations or the combined glucose insulin test.
Feeding & Management:
Treatment may consist of the following: Weight loss through diet and exercise if the animal is obese. Limiting carbohydrate (sugar/starch) intake through elimination of grain and high sugar feeds. Test pastures and hay for amounts of sugars present. Soaking hay if it is known to contain high amounts of sugars (> 10 to 12% soluble sugars) in hot water for 30 min or cold water for 60 min. Feeding beet pulp that has been soaked to remove sugar from molasses. Cut down on free intake of grass if the horse has a history of founder and/or is obese. Add fat and fiber to the diet at 6-10% for fat and at least 12% for fiber.
-Dr. Stephen Duren & Dr. Tania Cubitt