01/27/2025
🐴✨ Understanding Insulin Resistance in EMS Horses
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is characterized by insulin resistance—a condition where the body cannot effectively metabolize carbohydrates. Insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas, helps move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into muscle and fat cells for energy.
In horses with insulin resistance, their cells don’t respond properly to insulin, so glucose stays in the blood. In response, the pancreas releases more insulin, leading to hyperinsulinemia (elevated insulin levels).
This imbalance puts EMS horses at higher risk for obesity and laminitis, especially when fed high-starch or sugar-rich feeds or given access to lush pasture.
Want to learn more about EMS and how to support your horse? Check out our article:
🇺🇲 https://madbarn.com/equine-metabolic-syndrome/
🇨🇦 https://madbarn.ca/equine-metabolic-syndrome/