Blood Insulin & Glucose Levels

This test is performed as part of a diagnostic work up for horses suspected of having insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone responsible for the regulation of blood sugar (glucose) levels. An insulin resistant horse is expected to have high insulin levels and high blood sugar levels.

Horses are fasted for at least 8 hours prior to blood sampling. It is important that they not be fed high sugar feeds in the hours prior to testing. Blood is sampled and submitted to a reference laboratory. Insulin levels above a normal range in the face of high or normal glucose indicates insulin resistance. A horse with excessive insulin and very low blood sugar could have an insulin producing tumor.