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Insulin, Glargine

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

Mechanism of action

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.

At a glance

Class
Long-Acting Basal Insulin Analog
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Refrigerate unopened 2–8°C; in-use at room temperature up to 28 days; do not freeze; do not shake

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Not first-line for dogs — Vetsulin (lente) or NPH preferred
Dose
0.25–0.5 U/kg
Route
SQ
Frequency
q12h
🐈

Cat

First-line insulin for feline diabetes
Dose
—
Route
SQ
Frequency
q12h

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength
—

Storage

Refrigerate unopened 2–8°C; in-use at room temperature up to 28 days; do not freeze; do not shake

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucose curves q7–14 days during dose adjustmentFructosamine q2–4 weeksBody weightWater intake/urine outputSigns of hypoglycemia (weakness, ataxia, seizures)

Interactions

Major — 4

Prednisolone
major
Corticosteroids cause insulin resistance by increasing hepatic gluconeogenesis and reducing peripheral glucose uptake, directly antagonizing insulin therapy.
Management: Insulin dose may need 50-100% increase during corticosteroid therapy. Monitor blood glucose curves closely. Adjust insulin when tapering steroids (hypoglycemia risk on discontinuation).
Dexamethasone
major
Potent corticosteroid-induced insulin resistance. Dexamethasone 25-30x cortisol potency — profound hyperglycemic effect.
Management: Avoid in diabetics. If unavoidable, expect 50-200% insulin dose increase. Hypoglycemia risk when steroid discontinued.
Methylprednisolone
major
Corticosteroid-induced insulin resistance destabilizes diabetic control.
Management: Avoid. If steroid needed, budesonide may have less systemic glucose effect. Monitor glucose curves.
Triamcinolone Acetonide
major
Corticosteroid-induced insulin resistance. Depot triamcinolone provides prolonged steroid effect (weeks) destabilizing diabetic control for extended period.
Management: Avoid in diabetics. If essential, expect significant insulin dose increase for 2-4 weeks after injection.

Moderate — 2

Carvedilol
moderate
Beta-blockers mask hypoglycemia symptoms (tremors, tachycardia) and prolong hypoglycemic episodes by blocking glycogenolysis (beta-2 mediated). Non-selective beta-blockers (carvedilol) worse than cardioselective.
Management: Use with caution in diabetics. Monitor glucose more frequently. Educate owners about atypical hypoglycemia signs.
Propranolol
moderate
Non-selective beta-blockers mask hypoglycemia signs (tremor, tachycardia) and prolong hypoglycemic episodes by blocking hepatic glycogenolysis (beta-2 effect).
Management: Monitor glucose more frequently. Educate owners about atypical hypoglycemia signs (lethargy, weakness rather than tremors). Cardioselective beta-blocker (atenolol) preferred in diabetics.

Brands

Other markets

Lantus
Basaglar
Toujeo

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Insulin, Glargine?
Insulin, Glargine is a long-acting basal insulin analog used in pets. 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.
›What is Insulin, Glargine used for in pets?
Insulin, Glargine is used in veterinary medicine for: Not first-line for dogs — Vetsulin (lente) or NPH preferred; First-line insulin for feline diabetes.
›What is the Insulin, Glargine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Insulin, Glargine is typically dosed as follows — Not first-line for dogs — Vetsulin (lente) or NPH preferred: 0.25–0.5 U/kg SQ q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Insulin, Glargine dose for cats?
For cats, Insulin, Glargine is typically dosed as follows — First-line insulin for feline diabetes: undefined undefined SQ q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Insulin, Glargine need a prescription?
Yes. Insulin, Glargine 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, Detemir
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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.
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