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When we eat, our bodies break food down into organic compounds, one of which is glucose.
The cells of our bodies use glucose as a source of energy for movement, growth, repair, and other functions. But before the cells can use glucose, it must move from the bloodstream into the individual cells. This process requires insulin.

Insulin is produced by the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. When glucose enters our blood, the pancreas should automatically produce the right amount of insulin to move glucose into our cells. Canines with type 1 diabetes produce no insulin. Felines with type 2 diabetes do not always produce enough insulin. (Felines can be type 1 or 2 and Canines are always type 1)

Insulin Tips:

- NPH cannot be mixed with any Lente (L or U) insulin, they are chemically incompatible.
- Insulin does not have to be refrigerated if kept at a moderate temp., although it is recommended.
- Do not give cold injections, it could cause discomfort.
- Popular opinion is to dispose of opened insulin after 30 days or 100 sticks.
- To prevent abscesses, infections, and discomfort, only use syringes once.
- Rotation of injection sites is recommended.
- It is best to feed before the injection to make sure the animal eats. (generally 30 min. before)
- Human insulins are shorter acting than animal insulins of the same type.
- Never shake "cloudy" insulins. Roll the bottle between the palms of your hands.

Duration and Peak Times for the Most Common Insulins

There are more than 20 types of insulin products available in four basic forms, each with a different time of onset and duration of action. Plus you have caninsulin, vetsulin and pzi for animals. . The decision as to which insulin to choose is based on a veterinarian's preference and experience, and the canine's blood sugar levels. Among the criteria considered in choosing insulin are:

how soon it starts working in (onset)

when it works the hardest (peak time)

how long it lasts in the body (duration)

The following table lists some of the more common insulin preparations available today. Onset, peak, and duration of action are approximate for each insulin product, as there may be variability depending on the animal, the injection site, exercise. The key to regulation is consistency!

These are only averages, each pet reacts differently to their insulin. 

Another graph showing duration and peak times of some insulins 

NEW

Caninsulin

Caninsulin is a lente product, and contains 30% "fast" insulin (semilente) and 70% "slow" insulin (ultralente).

For additional information visit their website.
http://www.caninsulin.com/

PZI

LANTUS
Lantus insulin is now being used for cats with some success.

PZI and Lantus (insulin for felines both have about the same action)
Starting Dosage:
* 0.25 units per pound twice a day for BG numbers 360 or greater and 0.10 Units per puund for BGs less than 360.
Example:
For a 10 pound cat 2.50 units twice daily for blood glucose greater than 360
For a 15 pound cat 3.75unit twices daily for blood glucose greater than 360
For a 15 pound cat 1.50 units twice daily for blood glucose less than 360
For a 10 pound cat 1.00 unit twice daily for blood glucose less than 360
Storage:
* PZI and Lantus should be kept in the refrigerator (always look at expiration date)
* Opened vials of PZI have a shelf life of 30-90 days and Lantus 30 days.
(home testing will help you best determine effectiveness)
Syringes Recommended:
* U-40 syringes for PZI and U100 syringes for Lantus
* PZI syringes can be purchased on-line without a prescription at http://hocks.com *Lantus need a prescription.

A study on three insulins in cats. glargine is another name for lantus
Marshall RD, Rand JS, Morton JM.
Centre for Companion Animal Health, School of Veterinary Science,
The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, and The Cat Clinic,
Mt Gravatt, Brisbane, Australia.
Link to the article
The pharmacological effects of glargine, protamine zinc (PZI), and lente insulins were evaluated in nine healthy cats. A 3-way crossover study was performed and plasma concentrations of insulin and glucose were determined for 24 h after a single subcutaneous injection of each insulin at 3-day intervals. Time to onset of action did not differ between insulins. Mean time to first nadir glucose was longer for glargine (14 h) relative to PZI (4 h) and lente (5 h). PZI was biphasic in action with nadirs at 4 and 14 h with the second nadir occurring at a similar time to glargine. Nadir glucose did not differ significantly between insulin types. The duration of action was similar for glargine and PZI and was longer than that for lente insulin. Mean daily glucose after glargine and PZI were also similar and were lower than after lente insulin. Time to reach peak insulin did not differ between insulin types. Time to return to baseline insulin level for PZI was longer than glargine but did not differ significantly from lente. In conclusion, healthy cats injected subcutaneously with glargine, compared to those injected with lente insulin, have a later glucose nadir and longer duration of action. Glargine and PZI had similar durations of action in study cats but a larger study is required to obtain precise comparisons of duration of action.

More
Use of glargine and lente insulins in cats with diabetes mellitus.
Weaver KE, Rozanski EA, Mahony OM, Chan DL, Freeman LM.
Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
Link to the article
The goals of this study were to compare the efficacy of once-daily administered Glargine insulin to twice-daily administered Lente insulin in cats with diabetes mellitus and to describe the use of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet designed for the management of diabetes mellitus in cats. All cats with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus were eligible for inclusion. Baseline testing included a physical examination, serum biochemistry, urinalysis and urine culture, serum thyroxine concentration, and serum fructosamine concentration. All cats were fed the high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet exclusively. Cats were randomized to receive either 0.5 U/kg Lente insulin q12h or 0.5 U/kg Glargine insulin q24h. Re-evaluations were performed on all cats at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12, and included an assessment of clinical signs, physical examination, 16-hour blood glucose curve, and serum fructosamine concentrations. Thirteen cats completed the study (Lente, n = 7, Glargine, n = 6). There was significant improvement in serum fructosamine and glucose concentrations in all cats but there was no significant difference between the 2 insulin groups. Four of the 13 cats were in complete remission by the end of the study period (Lente, n = 3; Glargine, n = 1). The results of the study support the use of once-daily insulin Glargine or twice-daily Lente insulin in combination with a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet for treatment of feline diabetes mellitus.

How do I store my insulin?

Frequently Asked Questions About Insulin
Preparing a single dose of insulin
Preparing a mixed dose of insulin
Injecting Insulin
Insulin Administration & Proper Usage
Insulin by Jennifer Prince, D.V.M.
All About Insulin

Insulin Pens

Tips On Humalog

Tips on Lantus

Human Insulin 70/30

Human Insulin Regular (R) - RxList Generic Information

Human Insulin NPH - RxList Generic Information

Insulin Survey in Dogs

Questions about Insulin

Insulin Resistance

THE MERCK MANUAL - DIABETES MELLITUS (DM);Insulin Preparations

BD™ INJECT-EASE® Automatic Injector
Painful Insulin Injections in Pets - Tips - Why you should not reuse needles
Can I Prefill Insulin Syringes
Should I give insulin if my pet is ill?