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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

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

Frequency

q12h

🐈

Cat

First-line insulin for feline diabetes

Dose

—

Route

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 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)

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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.

Educational reference only

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, Detemir

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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