Type 2 diabetes mellitus with pancreatic beta cell dysfunction in 3 horses confirmed with minimal model analysis.
Abstract: 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. Objective: 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. Conclusions: 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.
Publication Date: 2010-04-14 PubMed ID: 20383993DOI: 10.2746/042516409x452152Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article explores Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in horses and its link to pancreatic beta cell dysfunction. Despite its rarity, the researchers argue that it could be under-recognised in equine veterinary practice and suggest potential therapeutic responses.
Objectives and Methods
- The researchers’ primary objective was to study three cases of diabetes mellitus in horses using a specific test for insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta cell functionality. They aimed to accurately define and characterise the presence of T2DM in these subjects.
- The insulin-modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed on each horse. The data collected were put through minimalist model analysis of insulin-glucose dynamics.
Results
- The results indicated that each of the test subjects exhibited marked insulin resistance and severe pancreatic beta cell dysfunction, which led to their classification as end stage T2DM cases.
- Despite the severity of the condition, treatment was able to restore normoglycaemia or normal blood sugar levels in all cases. This treatment involved a mixed approach of dietary modification, along with the administration of metformin, glibenclamide, and pergolide.
Conclusions
- The researchers concluded that T2DM in horses may be more prevalent than it is generally presumed. A subset of affected individuals may respond favorably to therapy directed at restoring insulin sensitivity and pancreatic function.
- Importantly, they noted that the drugs used to treat T2DM in other species haven’t been adequately tested on horses yet. Thus, advocating for more pharmacological research on horse-related T2DM.
- To assist with future diagnoses and treatment, the researchers encourage clinicians to consider T2DM as a significant differential diagnosis in mature to elderly horses and ponies showing symptoms of weight loss, excessive thirst (polydipsia), and increased urination (polyuria).
Cite This Article
APA
Durham AE, Hughes KJ, Cottle HJ, Rendle DI, Boston RC.
(2010).
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with pancreatic beta cell dysfunction in 3 horses confirmed with minimal model analysis.
Equine Vet J, 41(9), 924-929.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x452152 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- The Liphook Equine Hospital, Forest Mere, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7JG, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Feed
- Animals
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / veterinary
- Diet / veterinary
- Diet Therapy
- Female
- Glucose Tolerance Test / veterinary
- Glyburide / therapeutic use
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
- Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism
- Male
- Metformin / therapeutic use
Citations
This article has been cited 10 times.- Kellon EM, Gustafson KM. Use of the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin for control of refractory equine hyperinsulinemia and laminitis.. Open Vet J 2022 Jul-Aug;12(4):511-518.
- Satué K, Miguel-Pastor L, Chicharro D, Gardón JC. Hepatic Enzyme Profile in Horses.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 29;12(7).
- Daradics Z, Crecan CM, Rus MA, Morar IA, Mircean MV, Cătoi AF, Cecan AD, Cătoi C. Obesity-Related Metabolic Dysfunction in Dairy Cows and Horses: Comparison to Human Metabolic Syndrome.. Life (Basel) 2021 Dec 16;11(12).
- Santoro S, Aquino CGG, Mota FC, Artoni RF. DOES EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY HELP THE UNDERSTANDING OF METABOLIC SURGERY? A FOCUSED REVIEW.. Arq Bras Cir Dig 2020 Jul 8;33(1):e1503.
- Durham AE, Frank N, McGowan CM, Menzies-Gow NJ, Roelfsema E, Vervuert I, Feige K, Fey K. ECEIM consensus statement on equine metabolic syndrome.. J Vet Intern Med 2019 Mar;33(2):335-349.
- Marycz K, Kornicka K, Marędziak M, Golonka P, Nicpoń J. Equine metabolic syndrome impairs adipose stem cells osteogenic differentiation by predominance of autophagy over selective mitophagy.. J Cell Mol Med 2016 Dec;20(12):2384-2404.
- Morgan R, Keen J, McGowan C. Equine metabolic syndrome.. Vet Rec 2015 Aug 15;177(7):173-9.
- Lacombe VA. Expression and regulation of facilitative glucose transporters in equine insulin-sensitive tissue: from physiology to pathology.. ISRN Vet Sci 2014;2014:409547.
- Ertelt A, Barton AK, Schmitz RR, Gehlen H. Metabolic syndrome: is equine disease comparable to what we know in humans?. Endocr Connect 2014 Sep;3(3):R81-93.
- Johnson PJ, Wiedmeyer CE, LaCarrubba A, Ganjam VK, Messer NT 4th. Diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome in horses.. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2012 May 1;6(3):534-40.
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