Synthetic Insulin Analogs and Their Use in Dogs and Cats

Human recombinant synthetic insulin analogs allow better control of blood glucose concentrations while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemic events in diabetic human patients. Little information is available regarding the use of insulin analogs in cats and dogs. Insulin lispro is an ultrashort-acting analog that has been used in the intensive treatment of dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis. Insulin glargine and insulin detemir are long-acting, and are used in people as basal insulin replacement. Both are associated with reduced risk of hypoglycemia, while detemir also is associated with less undesired weight gain. In cats, insulin detemir and insulin glargine have longer durations of action than traditionally used insulin formulations, and both have been used successfully in once-a-day regimens for treatment of diabetes. Insulins detemir and glargine may have shorter durations of action in cats than in people, and more variability in their effects.