Sue Martin Monday, 20 Oct 2025
Reducing blood glucose levels naturally
Natural nutrients from plants are often considered superior to synthetics due to their higher bioavailability and the presence of synergistic compounds.
They contain a complex and balanced array of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that work together for optimal absorption and utilization by the body. In contrast, synthetic nutrients are isolated, lab-created versions that often lack these crucial cofactors.
The body is designed to absorb and utilize the complex, synergistic nutrient profiles found in nature, rather than isolated compounds created in a lab.
With this in mind, lets turn our focus to horses that struggle with elevated blood glucose levels.
Adding synthetic supplements and a myriad of processed foods can often exacerbate this problem.
Synthetic vitamins and processed foods can cause blood glucose problems in horses by disrupting their metabolism.
Diets high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), or sugars and starches, lead to rapid blood glucose spikes and can cause insulin resistance over time. A natural diet, rich in fibre and low in NSC, ensures more stable blood sugar levels.
There are numerous compounds, found naturally in certain plants/herbs that can effectively reduce blood glucose levels.
These are just a few examples –
Arctigenin has been found to increase skeletal muscle glucose uptake, resulting in a significant decrease in blood glucose concentration.
Chlorogenic acid works through two main pathways to manage blood glucose:
- Slows digestion: It inhibits enzymes such as alpha – glucosidase and alpha amylase, which reduces the rate at which carbohydrates are broken down and glucose is absorbed.
- Reduces Liver Glucose Production: It inhibits the enzyme glucose 6 – phosphatase, thereby decreasing the amount of glucose released into the bloodstream via the liver.
Other compounds, like rutin, caffeoylquinic acids, and other flavonoids, can also help to lower blood sugar. These natural ingredients work together to slow down sugar digestion and absorption, increase insulin production, and protect the body from diabetes-related stress.
While we have numerous formulas in our range that include all of these compounds I often suggest to start with a 12 week (full blood cycle) Equine Detoxify program for all of the reasons above, as well as to aid the body’s removal of metabolic waste and to rebalance and strengthen the body.
The Equine Detoxify herbal extract was originally formulated for skin conditions and to increase cellular regeneration/healing after injury, illness or long term medication.
We soon found that the combination of compounds and phytonutrients found in the blend of herbs, significantly helped horses suffering from conditions such as insulin resistance and related conditions.
The detox works with the pathways of elimination, stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation, supporting liver, kidney and lung function and in the process, rebalancing the systems.
This is something that all horses benefit from once a year for the full 12 week cycle.
The result of using easily absorbed, pure herbal extracts, is not only a reduced blood glucose level (when paired with correct lifestyle and diet for the individual) it's a shiny glossy coat, improved movement, better overall health and a happier horse.
