Home/Medicines/Insulin, Detemir
All medicines

Insulin, Detemir

Prescription
Long-Acting Basal Insulin Analog
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
1

Mechanism of action

Acylated insulin analog with a 14-carbon fatty acid chain (myristic acid) attached to B29 lysine, enabling albumin binding (>98%) in SQ tissue and plasma. Slow dissociation from albumin provides prolonged, relatively peakless basal insulin release.

At a glance

Class
Long-Acting Basal Insulin Analog
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Refrigerate unopened 2–8°C; in-use at room temperature up to 42 days; do not freeze

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Alternative long-acting insulin for dogs with poor response to NPH
Dose
0.1–0.2 U/kg
Route
SQ
Frequency
q12h
🐈

Cat

Excellent option for feline diabetes — comparable remission rates to glargine
Dose
Route
SQ
Frequency
q12h

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

Storage

Refrigerate unopened 2–8°C; in-use at room temperature up to 42 days; do not freeze

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucose curves q7–14 days during adjustmentFructosamine q2–4 weeksBody weightSigns of hypoglycemia

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Levemir

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Insulin, Detemir?
Insulin, Detemir is a long-acting basal insulin analog used in pets. Acylated insulin analog with a 14-carbon fatty acid chain (myristic acid) attached to B29 lysine, enabling albumin binding (>98%) in SQ tissue and plasma. Slow dissociation from albumin provides prolonged, relatively peakless basal insulin release.
What is Insulin, Detemir used for in pets?
Insulin, Detemir is used in veterinary medicine for: Alternative long-acting insulin for dogs with poor response to NPH; Excellent option for feline diabetes — comparable remission rates to glargine.
What is the Insulin, Detemir dose for dogs?
For dogs, Insulin, Detemir is typically dosed as follows — Alternative long-acting insulin for dogs with poor response to NPH: 0.1–0.2 U/kg SQ q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Insulin, Detemir dose for cats?
For cats, Insulin, Detemir is typically dosed as follows — Excellent option for feline diabetes — comparable remission rates to glargine: undefined undefined SQ q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Insulin, Detemir need a prescription?
Yes. Insulin, Detemir is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Long-Acting Basal Insulin Analog).

Insulin, Glargine
Rx
Modified human insulin analog with amino acid substitutions (glycine at A21, two arginines at B30) that precipitates at physiological pH after SQ injection, forming a depot that slowly dissolves providing peakless basal insulin release over 12–24h.
dogcat