Resource Library - Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance describes a metabolic condition where the cells do adequately respond to insulin. Insulin's main role is to remove glucose from the bloodstream by allowing it to enter the cells, where it can be burned for energy, or stored for later use. When the horse's cells are resistant to insulin, the glucose remains in the blood for a longer period of time. The pancreas responds by secreting even more insulin in an attempt to get the glucose into the cells and bring the blood glucose level back to normal. 

The main risk for consistently elevated insulin is laminitis. Though the body can be harmed in other ways since insulin is highly inflammatory. 

Excess body fat, along with little to no exercise can lead to insulin resistance. However, genetics can also play a significant role. Your goal is to help your horse maintain a normal body weight through stress reduction, a diet low in sugar and starch, and consistent opportunities to move.  

The materials below help with overweight horses, those suffering from laminitis, and those genetically predisposed toward developing insulin resistance. 

Spotlight on Nutrition Books ($14.95)

• Easy Keeper - Making It Easy to Keep Him Healthy

"Feed Your Horse Like A Horse" (starting at $57.95)

• Dr. Getty's comprehensive reference offering you information on a vast variety of topics. Insulin Resistance is discussed in detail in "Chapter 14 - 13 - Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders."  

Articles (Free)

• Eating! An Important Key to Improving Insulin Resistance
• Feeding Straw to the Insulin Resistant Horse May Be A Mistake
• Lipoic Acid - Benefits Metabolic Syndrome in Two Ways
• Steaming Hay for the Insulin Resistant Horse - May be as good or better than soaking
• Sources of Magnesium - Including Whole Foods
• Testing Your Pasture - For Peace of Mind
• The Correct Way to Use Slow Feeders
• Empty Fields Everywhere - Why Movement is So Important
• NEWLY REVISED! Insulin and ACTH - Double Trouble for the Fall
• The Overweight Horse Who Won't Stop Eating - Leptin Resistance in the Key!
• Do You Need to Analyze Your Hay?
• Obesity. The Real Cause. The Real Fix.
• Can the Damaged Insulin Resistant Horse be Fixed?
• Sugar Promotes Chronic Inflammation
• Alfalfa and the Insulin Resistant Horse - The True Story
• Pasture, for the Insulin Resistant Horse?
• Forage Deprivation Keeps Your Horse Fat - The Research
• Fruits are Fabulous, even for Insulin Resistant Horses!
• Four Directions Amino Acids Can Take - The Importance of Feeding Several Protein Sources
• Chia Seeds - Nature's Tiny Miracle
• CBD for Horses - What You Can Expect
• Quality of Life for the Overweight, Insulin-Resistant Horse
• Q&A with Dr. Juliet Getty about several important nutrition topics, including insulin resistance

 Tips (Free)

• Hay Before Grain, or Vice Versa?
• Is Glucosamine Safe for the Insulin Resistant Horse?
• Too Much Iron Can be Detrimental to the Insulin Resistant Horse
• Turmeric Is a Winning Supplement for Insulin Resistance
• Add a Serving of Caution to that Tender Spring Grass

Research Reflections (Free)

• Impact of DHA Supplementation on Inflammation Reduction in Metabolic Horses 

Recorded Seminars ($9.95 each)

• Supplements - Making the Right Choice

Interview Podcasts (Free)

Listen to Dr. Juliet Getty, special guest on Jim Swanner's, "All About Horses" radio program or Monty Roberts' Horsemanship radio as she discusses the following topic(s). Recordings are each 30 minutes in length.

• "Pasture - Is it good for YOUR horse?" – Interview with Jim Swanner 

Forage for Thought Newsletter (Free)

To receive free bi-monthly articles and news to help meet your horse's nutritional needs, consider subscribing to Forage for Thought - Dr. Getty's email newsletter. You may opt-in here - and may unsubscribe at any time.