Initiate its action by binding to cell surface receptors that stimulate the formation of glycogen in liver, lipid from fatty acid and protein from amino acids
Indication
Adjunctive treatment of diabetic ketacidosis, uncomplicated diabetes Mellitus, adjunctive therapy of hyperkalemia
Dose
Insulin preparations-
Regular nsulin
Neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH)
Lente insulin
Ultralente insulin
Vetsulin
Protamine zinc insulin (PZI)
Glargine insulin (Lantus)
Dosage
Cat @
Short - acting regular insulin . Treatment of ketoacidosis : 0.2 unit / kg IM initially , then 0.1 unit / kg IM every hour until glucose level is less than 300 mg / dL and then continue with 0.25-0.4 unit / kg SQ q6h
NPH not recommended for cats , but has been used at 0.25 units / kg SQ q12h or 1-3 units per cat SQ q12h
Protamine zinc recombinant human insulin ( ProZinc ) : Start with 0.2-0.7 units / kg every 12 hours SQ . Adjust dose to achieve nadir of glucose of 80-150 mg / dL .
PZI insulin : Initial dose is 0.5 unit / kg SQ and then once or twice daily ( usually twice is needed ) with subsequent doses adjusted to produce desirable glucose levels , usually no higher than 3 units per cat . Final adjusted dose for most cats is 0.9 ( 0.4 ) unit / kg .
Glargine insulin : Start with 0.5 unit / kg q12h SQ . Some cats can be managed with once - daily dosing , but twice daily is preferred . Adjust dose via monitoring . If treating diabetic ketoacidosis , one may start with glargine insulin administered intramuscularly , then switch to SQ injections for maintenance
Detemir insulin : Use same dosage regimen as for glargine insulin
DOG @
Short - acting regular insulin . Treatment of ketoacidosis for dogs 3 kg : 1 unit / animal initially , then 1 unit / animal q1h ; for dogs 3-10 kg : 2 units / animal initially , then 1 unit / animal q1h ; and for dogs > 10 kg : 0.25 unit / kg initially , then 0.1 unit / kg q1h IM .
NPH for dogs < 15 kg : 1 unit / kg q12-24h SQ ( adjust dose with monitoring ) dogs > 25 kg : 0.5 unit / kg q12-24h SQ ( adjust dose with monitoring ) .
Vetsulin : Initial dose 0.5 unit / kg , once or twice daily , SQ . Adjust dose ( increase or decrease of 25 % of dose ) by monitoring .
PZI human recombinant : Can be used as an alternative to beef / pork PZI insulin . Start with 0.5 units / kg , SQ q12h . Median dose in well - controlled dogs is 0.9 units / kg ( range 0.4-1.5 units / kg ) SQ q12h
Glargine insulin : Start with 0.3 units / kg SC q12h . Then monitor glucose to adjust dose . The dose range in well - regulated dogs is 0.32-0.67 units / kg q12h SQ .
Detemir insulin : 0.12 units / kg , SQ , q12h , ( adjust dose as needed ) . Because of small dose in dogs , a specific diluent may be needed to obtain accurate dose in small dogs .
Ruminants: 200 IU total dose SC
Horse: 0.15 unit/kg, 12 hrs, IM SC
Contraindications
Episodes of hyperglycemia
Lipo dystrophic reaction occurs at injection site
Don't use without ability to monitor glucose in animals because of risk of hypoglycemia