When starches and sugars are consumed, the body releases insulin, a hormone that cues absorption and storage of sugar from the bloodstream. Overfeeding starch and sugars can make horses “insulin resistant,” meaning the body cannot absorb glucose properly to fuel the body.
Although obese horses are more at risk for insulin resistance, it also occurs in horses of normal weight. The condition is known to be associated with repeated bouts of laminitis. Although there is no cure, insulin resistance can be controlled by managing or eliminating concentrates, grains and lush pasture from the diet.
Back to Horse Health Glossary
Back to Equine Nutrition A to Z
This article originally appeared in the 2010 issue of Horses USA.
Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.
Austin, Texas – Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) today issued an…
Timothy, orchard grass, alfalfa, fescue, clover—so many hay types! What’s the right type of hay…
Maybe it’s the flowing leg feathers, the gentle personality, or maybe it’s the height—18 hands?…
The equine digestive tract can be a bit terrifying: There is a lot of tissue…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Horse people are typically made from hardy stock, but that doesn’t negate the need for equestrian wellness—especially during winter. Self-care…
When a blanket of snow covers the lush green landscape surrounding Vista Verde Ranch, that is when Georgie gets to…
Animals have always held a special place in Kara Lawson's heart. Whether cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, or horses, Lawson's connection…
Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 38, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…