Knowing the Types of Insulin for Dogs and Cats

However, the world of insulin is much more varied than most people realize. It is not as simple as getting a prescription for ‘insulin,’ going to the pharmacy, and starting your diabetic pet on their treatment. There are insulins designed to act fast. There are other insulins designed to last a long time. Some insulins are natural, while others are synthetic.

This article should help highlight the key differences between the four different types of insulin most commonly prescribed to pets.

Fast Acting

Humulin N

Neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH) insulin
Intermediate-acting
Frequently combined with other, faster acting insulin to create a longer-lasting insulin that gets to work quicker
Dosage: 0.5 - 1 unit/kg taken SQ 1-2 times a day

Novolin 70/30

A combination of fast acting NPH insulin (70%) and the longer lasting, regular, human insulin (30%)
Man-made substances similar to, but not, organically produced insulin
Dosage: 0.2 unit/kg taken SQ 1-2 times a day

Long Lasting

Lantus

Insulin glargine -- structurally identical to, but not, human insulin
Long-lasting - up to 24 hours
MUCH more reactive in dogs than cats.
Dosage: 0.1 unit/kg taken SQ once a day

Levemir

Insulin detemir -- an artificially crafted insulin made from ingredients not found in nature, but designed to behave like natural insulin
A very powerful, long-lasting type of insulin
Similar to Lantus in that it is MUCH more reactive in dogs than in cats.
Dosage: 0.1 unit/kg taken SQ 1-2 times a day

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