Do you have a dog or cat that's been diagnosed with diabetes? If so, you already know how challenging and confusing it can be to manage this condition. Fortunately, insulin therapy is a proven and effective method of treating diabetes in pets. But with several different types of insulin available for dogs and cats, how do you know which one is right for your furry friend? In this article, we'll walk you through the different types of insulin used in veterinary medicine and explore their unique features and benefits. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of your options and be better equipped to work with your veterinarian to manage your pet's diabetes. So let's dive into the world of insulin therapy for pets!

Short-acting insulins

Short-acting insulins, also known as regular insulins, are a type of insulin that starts working rapidly and has a relatively short duration of action. These insulins are particularly useful in situations where quick action is needed to manage blood sugar levels, such as during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) treatment in pets. DKA is a life-threatening condition where high blood sugar levels lead to the production of acidic ketones in the body, requiring immediate intervention.

In veterinary medicine, short-acting insulins such as Humulin R and Novolin R are often used to treat DKA in both dogs and cats. These insulins provide fast-acting blood sugar control, helping to stabilize the pet's condition until its ketone levels return to normal. In addition to DKA treatment, short-acting insulins may also be used to provide supplemental insulin coverage for pets during periods of increased blood glucose levels, such as after meals or during periods of stress. This requires close monitoring of blood glucose levels and therefore essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate insulin type and treatment plan for each individual pet.

Intermediate-acting insulins

Intermediate-acting insulins are a category of insulin with a slower onset and a longer duration of action compared to short-acting insulins. These insulins provide a steady release of insulin over an extended period, making them a suitable choice for managing blood glucose levels in dogs with diabetes. Examples of intermediate-acting insulins in veterinary medicine include Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, such as Humulin N and Novolin N, and Lente insulin, which includes Vetsulin® and Caninsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) that are FDA-approved to be used in dogs and cats.

These insulins offer a balance between rapid action and long-lasting effects, helping to maintain consistent glucose control for pets throughout the day. Intermediate-acting insulins are typically administered once or twice daily, depending on the specific product and individual pet's needs.

NPH insulins, such as Humulin N and Novolin N, have a relatively short duration of action in cats, which can result in significant periods of hyperglycemia throughout the day. Consequently, NPH is not advised as a long-term insulin option for cats, unless you are willing to administer multiple (3-4) injections daily to maintain stable blood glucose levels. 

Long-acting insulins

Long-acting insulins play a vital role in managing diabetes in pets, as they offer a slow onset and extended duration of action that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels over an extended period. These insulins are designed to mimic the body's natural basal insulin release, making them an ideal choice for providing consistent glucose control in pets with diabetes.

Examples of long-acting insulins include insulin glargine (Lantus®), Protamine Zinc Insulin (ProZinc®), and insulin detemir (Levemir). These insulins are particularly beneficial for dogs and cats that require steady, long-lasting insulin coverage to effectively manage their diabetes. Long-acting insulins are typically administered once or twice daily, depending on the specific product and the individual pet's needs.

Glargine (Lantus®) is a great insulin in cats and is especially helpful in hard-to-control diabetics. It has also been used in dogs with some success. Protamine Zinc Insulin (ProZinc®) is a human recombinant insulin approved by the FDA for veterinary use. It has proven to be an effective insulin option for cats and has recently gained approval for use in dogs as well. ProZinc® is a long-acting insulin that can be administered once daily, offering a convenient option for managing diabetes in both cats and dogs. This insulin's extended duration of action helps maintain stable blood glucose levels, providing consistent glucose control.

Detemir (Levemir®) is a similar insulin to glargine and is a very good insulin for dogs with diabetes. This is a very potent insulin in dogs and a lower initial dose is absolutely required. Although considered long-acting, it is typically dosed every 12 hours in dogs.

FAQs about insulin therapy for dogs and cats

Does the bottle of insulin need to be shaken before use?

NPH insulins, including Humulin N and Novolin N, are suspension insulins and require gentle mixing before administration to ensure the insulin particles are evenly distributed. To achieve this, gently rock the vial or roll it on a tabletop several times until the solution appears uniform. Avoid shaking these types of insulins, as this can potentially damage the insulin.

Vetsulin® and Caninsulin® are combinations of ultralente and semilente insulins, which are precipitated with zinc to create a suspension. In order to maintain a consistent ratio of semilente to ultralente, it is essential to shake the vial vigorously before administering the insulin.

Can exercise lower the insulin dose for your pet?

Exercise offers numerous benefits for diabetic pets, as it helps to reduce insulin requirements and improve blood sugar control. Engaging in daily walks for dogs and encouraging active playtime for cats can serve as effective supplementary treatments for diabetes mellitus, contributing to better overall health and well-being.

How long does it take for a diabetic pet to become regulated?

Generally, it takes approximately 4-6 weeks to achieve the desired diabetic control in dogs and cats.

Overall, several insulin options are available for managing diabetes in cats and dogs. Insulins such as NPH can be used on a short-term basis, but should not be relied upon long-term due to their unpredictable duration of action. Long-acting insulins like glargine (Lantus®), Protamine Zinc Insulin (ProZinc®), and detemir (Levemir®) offer a more consistent approach to glucose control that is better suited for the long-term management of diabetes. Additionally, exercise has been shown to reduce insulin requirements and improve blood sugar control in diabetic pets, making it an important part of any pet’s wellness plan. With proper planning and guidance from your veterinarian, you can ensure your pet receives the best possible care while living with diabetes. We hope this information helps and please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions about insulin therapy for your pet.