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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
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 →

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
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 →

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.
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

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
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