Glycaemic Load Explained Simply
Laminitis risk is often discussed in terms of sugar content.
The more important concept is glycaemic load.
Glycaemic load considers both the concentration of carbohydrate and the total quantity consumed.
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Sugar Percentage Is Not the Whole Story
A pasture with moderate sugar content can still create risk if intake volume is high.
Similarly, a concentrate with lower sugar percentage can create significant glycaemic impact if fed in large meals.
Quantity matters.
Frequency matters.
Pattern matters.
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Why Spikes Matter
Rapid glucose elevation triggers insulin release.
Repeated spikes lead to:
• Persistent hyperinsulinaemia
• Vascular tone alteration
• Lamellar stress
• Increased fat deposition
Stable fermentation based energy produces fewer spikes.
High starch meals produce volatility.
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The Stability Principle
The goal is not zero carbohydrate.
The goal is stability.
Steady fibre fermentation supports predictable energy release and consistent metabolic signalling.
Volatility increases risk.
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The Question That Changes Management
Instead of asking:
“How much sugar is in this feed?”
Ask:
“What total glycaemic load is this horse exposed to daily?”
This shifts thinking from single ingredient focus to systemic exposure analysis.