Insulin

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!

Insulin type	Insulin Brand	Starts in (onset)	Peaks in (nadir)	Gone by (duration)
Rapid Acting	Humalog (lispro) Eli Lilly	10-20 minutes	1.5-2.5 hours	4-5 hrs
Rapid Acting	NovoLog (aspart) Novo Nordisk	10-20 minutes	1.5-2.5 hours	4-5 hrs
Short Acting	Humulin R Eli Lilly Novolin R Novo Nordisk	30-45 minutes	2-4 hours	5-7 hours
Intermediate Acting NPH	Humulin N Eli Lilly Novolin N Novo Nordisk	1-3 hours	4-9 hours	14-20 hours
Intermediate Acting Lente being discontinued	Humulin L Eli Lilly	2-4 hours	6-12 hours	16-24 hours
Intermediate and short-acting mixtures	Humulin 50/50 Humulin 70/30 Humalog Mix 75/25 Humalog Mix 50/50 Eli Lilly Novolin 70/30 Novolog Mix 70/30 Novo Nordisk	varies according to mixture	varies according to mixture	varies according to mixture
Long-acting with peak	Ultralente being discontinued Eli Lilly	2-4 hours	8-14 hours	18-24 hours
Long-acting with little peak	Lantus (glargine) Aventis	2 hours	6 hours (slight)	18-26 hours
Long-acting with little peak	Detemir Novo Nordisk	1 hour	8-10 hours	18-24 hours

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

Another graph showing duration and peak times of some insulins 

lente and ultralente insulins are being discontinued.

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

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?