Diabetes

Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment

Diabetes mellitus can have more than one cause. Type 1 results from a decrease in insulin being produced by beta cells in the pancreas, and low levels of insulin are always found. It is seen much less often than type 2 (non-insulin dependent), which combines a gradual onset of insulin resistance and potential failure of insulin production by the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) as may occur as a complication of EMS.

Symptoms

Common in

Treatment

The aims of treatment are to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce body weight by improving the horse’s diet and increasing exercise.
Affected horses will get along best on a ration with low starch content and good-quality fermentable fiber.

In addition to pergolide therapy for PPID, Metformin is a drug given to EMS sufferers to help improve insulin sensitivity.
Though human diabetes is often treated with insulin injections, this therapy is rarely used in horses unless they have confirmed type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Prevention

Maintaining a body condition score of 4.5-5/ 9;
Choosing feeds low in starch and sugar;
Feeding a low (<10% dry matter) WSC hay or a hay replacer;
Restricting or removing grazing.