Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with pancreatic beta cell dysfunction in 3 horses confirmed with minimal model analysis.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2009
- Authors:
- Durham, A E et al.
- Affiliation:
- The Liphook Equine Hospital · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, three horses were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a condition that is not often recognized in horses but may be more common than we think. The horses showed signs of insulin resistance and severe problems with their pancreatic cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. They were treated with changes to their diet and medications, including metformin and glibenclamide, which are used in other animals for diabetes. After treatment, all three horses were able to return to normal blood sugar levels. This suggests that with proper management, some horses with T2DM can respond well to treatment.
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is diagnosed rarely in equine practice although it may be under-recognised. A greater awareness of the condition and therapeutic considerations would be to the benefit of such cases presenting in practice. More investigation into the pharmacological management of these cases is needed. OBJECTIVES: Three cases of diabetes mellitus were investigated using a specific test for insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta cell function in order to define accurately and characterise the existence of T2DM in all 3 subjects. METHODS: The insulin-modified frequently sampled i.v. glucose tolerance test was performed in each case and the data so obtained were subject to minimal model analysis of insulin-glucose dynamics. Cases were then monitored following treatment using a combination of dietary modification, metformin, glibenclamide and pergolide. RESULTS: Marked insulin resistance was identified in each case and, furthermore, severe pancreatic beta cell dysfunction was present therefore classifying each case as end stage T2DM. Treatment was nevertheless associated with restoration of normoglycaemia in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM in horses may be more common than generally considered.In some cases individuals may respond to therapy aimed at restoring insulin sensitivity and pancreatic function. Drugs used in other species for the treatment of T2DM have not yet been adequately tested in horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: T2DM should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in mature to elderly horses and ponies suffering from weight loss, polydipsia and polyuria. Clinicians should be encouraged to offer treatment and management advice when such cases are encountered.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20383993/