Insulin resistance in fat cells reduces the effect of insulin and lead to increased triglyceride hydrolysis reserves, if no steps are good for increasing insulin sensitivity or by providing extra insulin. The horse’s pancreas, an important organ of the endocrine system, produces and regulates the release of insulin, a hormone that functions to metabolize and balance the body’s main source of fuel, glucose. Though considered a robust and a strong pet, it is still prone to many diseases. New studies, from the Universities of Kentucky and Virginia, suggest that half of the horse population is overweight and insulin resistance is a probable, normal event in geriatric horses. “If the insulin concentration is above 20 micro-units per milliliter [after fasting] the horse is said to be insulin resistant,” says Pratt-Phillips. With proper care, these horses … Diabetes in horses is also called “insulin resistance.” For a long time, it was thought that horses couldn’t contract “diabetes,” and that they could only develop Cushing’s disease. Insulin resistance has profound consequences for affected horses, yet there are currently no licensed treatment options. If you suspect Cushings, always test the Insulin at the same time. 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. Horses in their late teens and those more than twenty years old can exhibit many of the "classic" signs of what has been called Cushing's disease, including obesity, long hair, increased urination and drinking, muscle wasting and difficult-to-treat laminitis. This means that more insulin than would normally be required is needed to keep blood sugar concentrations within normal amounts, especially after a meal high in starch and/or sugar. If after reading this you recognise any of the symptoms in your own horse, we highly recommend you speak to your vet as a priority. Insulin regulates sugar (glucose) in the horses blood; for some reason, horses that have insulin resistance become less sensitive to insulins effects. Too much iron can be detrimental to the insulin resistant horse. Mostly, horse people associate it with “hard, cresty necks,” fat deposits on the rump and shoulders, excess weight, Cushing’s syndrome, and the threat of a laminitic episode. IR – Insulin Resistance: What is it really? For more info on this, visit the Equine Insulin Resistance & Equine Hypothyroidism page. You could be insulin resistant for years without knowing, especially if your blood glucose levels aren’t checked. Insulin Resistance (IR) is a commonly used and poorly understood term. This article elaborates on effects and treatment of insulin resistance for equine pets. This syndrome is currently defined by the presence of 1) insulin resistance (IR), 2) obesity and/or regional adiposity, and 3) prior or current laminitis. Insulin resistance (IR) can arise from a disease (PPID / Cushing), but it is also very often caused by a horse being given too much or too energy-rich nutrition for a long time. Insulin resistance is a disturbance of glucose metabolism that can be thought of as an early form of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It … For many people, insulin resistance often doesn’t trigger any noticeable symptoms, especially in the early phases. Insulin resistance occurs when excess sugar circulates in the body. The cells then become less sensitive to the actions of insulin and absorb less energy. Breed – Ponies tend to have higher degrees of insulin resistance than Warmbloods or Standardbreds. Printed in: Natural Horse Volume 8, Issue 5 . Insulin resistance. Cushing's disease, a condition common in older horses, occurs when a tumor has grown in the pituitary gland in the brain and puts out large amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Horses have been great domestic pets for centuries. For those of you new to Equine Challenge Supplements, we have a specific protocol for IR horses or for horses that are overweight (easy keepers). If the horse is diagnosed at an early stage, it can allow the attending veterinarian to take preventative measures rather than treatment measures in the care of the horse. This condition can quickly lead to laminitis, if left untreated, and… Read More »Insulin Resistance Many horses suffering with Laminitis have elevated insulin levels in their blood because it can’t penetrate the cell walls. Insulin resistance Insulin resistance (IR) is becoming increasingly common in our equestrian population but is often overlooked by owners. At this point we have too little information to confirm that the disease occurs in lean horses, but research might find otherwise in the future. If a horse takes in more energy over a longer period of time than it uses for daily life and work, all kinds of problems arise. EQUINE METABOLIC SYNDROME: CAUSES, SIGNS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION Adapted from the My Horse University Horse Nutrition online course. Insulin and leptin resistance are very common in the horse suffering from equine metabolic syndrome. In addition, mosquitoes tend to be drawn to horses with Insulin Resistance, possibly due to the fact that their blood tastes sweeter and their immune systems are weaker. Management of the condition is primarily aimed at modifying the affected horse's diet, maintaining a healthy body condition score, and instituting a regular exercise program. 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