Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when insulin receptors that take up and use, or store, sugar (glucose) are damaged. In this case, insulin cannot dock, or cannot sufficiently dock, onto the body’s cells. If sugar is not taken up from the blood into the tissue, this can result in low sugar levels in the tissue and excess blood sugar levels in the blood. The body responds with increased insulin release. An increased need for insulin is necessary to regulate normal blood sugar levels. Excessively high insulin levels in the blood have side effects on the fine blood vessels in the laminae of the hoof and can trigger laminitis.
Insulin resistance is diagnosed through blood tests. Externally visible indications can include the typical fat deposits of EMS (equine metabolic syndrome), particularly on the crest of the neck and at the root of the tail. Increased susceptibility to laminitis, frequent colic and frequent urination are further signs. Affected horses show lethargy, loss of performance, sweating after exercise has ended and depressive moods.