A Guide to Lantus Insulin, Treating Diabetes A Long Lasting Insulin for Cats and Dogs

Lantus is a brand of insulin used to treat diabetes mellitus. An insulin glargine -- a type of insulin that is structurally identical to, but not, human produced insulin -- Lantus is designed to be longer lasting than other insulins, lasting up to 24 hours (however, in dogs it typically does not last more than 16 hours). Like all other forms of insulin, Lantus is taken subcutaneously (an injection), and can be a critical part of treating your dog or cat’s diabetes.

Injections should not be administered in the same spot every day, as this could cause scarring, which will dampen the bodies ability to absorb the medication. Use with anabolic steroids, adrenergic blockers, MAOIs, aspirin (or other salicylates), phenylbutazone, or tetracycline might increase the effects of Lantus, and should be monitored, while  DOBUTamine, EPINEPHrine, furosemide, thiazide, progesterone, glucocorticoids, and estrogen, may decrease the effects. Taking with burdock (a plant with diuretic and blood purifying properties) may have a hypoglycemic effect, and the dosage of insulin may need to be adjusted accordingly.  Pets taking digoxin should have their potassium levels monitored.

Typically eliciting a much stronger reaction from dogs than from cats, the dosage will typically start out much lower than with other types of insulin, roughly .1 unit/kg twice a day.

Hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), Somogyi effect hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, or a rapid insulin metabolism (using too much insulin too quickly) are all potential adverse reactions of Lantus. An overdose is likely to result in hypoglycemia, and in some cases, even death.

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