Improved insulin sensitivity in hyperinsulinaemic ponies through physical conditioning and controlled feed intake

Ten hyperinsulinaemic ponies divided into conditioned (N = 5) and rested (N = 5) groups were evaluated for their insulin and glucose response following oral glucose administration at Weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6. All ponies received a controlled intake of a pelleted ration during the study. In both groups body weight had decreased from baseline by Week 4 and remained low. After 2 weeks of exercise, ponies in the conditioned group had significantly decreased insulin and glucose indices, including peak insulin response, area under the insulin curve from 0 to 210 min (TIS), and the TIS value: area under the glucose curve from 0 to 210 min. By Week 4 of conditioning, although the insulin and glucose indices continued to decrease in the exercised ponies, there was no significant difference between the groups. Over the first 6 weeks of the study all ponies improved their insulin sensitivity accompanied by a loss of body weight. The conditioned ponies were further evaluated during deconditioning at Weeks 8, 10 and 12. The improved insulin sensitivity was maintained during deconditioning.