Insulin

Major Uses

Insulin is used to treat diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of hyperkalemia. Insulin is available in various forms and strengths, and has corresponding syringes for each strength. Insulin can be administered to multiple species, including cats and dogs. Diabetes in dogs is usually type I, which indicates there is a lack of insulin. In cats, diabetes is most commonly found to be the type II variety, in which the cells are resistant to the effects of available insulin.

Insulin increases protein synthesis, frees fatty acid release, and is the primary hormone responsible for controlling the uptake, utilization, and storage of cellular nutrients. When an animal has diabetes mellitus, the insulin is mandatory for glucose (blood sugar) to be able to enter the cells of the body and to be used for energy. Most of the available insulin is synthetic, but some types are derived from animals (bovine or porcine).

Common Precautions

Adverse side effects of insulin could include hypoglycemia, insulin-induced hyperglycemia, insulin antagonism/ resistance, rapid insulin metabolism, and local reactions to the "foreign" proteins. Signs of hypoglycemia may include weakness, shaking, head tilting, lethargy, ataxia, seizures, blindness, bizarre behavior, and coma. If the hypoglycemia is prolonged, the animal can develop permanent brain damage or die.

Insulin should not be injected at the same site on the animal's body day after day, or lipodystrophic reactions can occur. Animals should not be given expired insulin. Insulin should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug.

Storage

All insulin products should be stored in the refrigerator and protected from freezing temperatures (temperatures that are below 36 degrees Fahrenheit should be avoided). Freezing can decrease potency by the possibility of altering the protein structure. High temperatures should also be avoided since insulin transformation products and fibril formation can occur. There is a discard date of 28 days after the initial puncture of the vial.

Administration

Insulin has to be injected with syringes that are appropriate for the insulin type. Insulin should be gently mixed, by rolling the vial and back and forth, before administration. Insulin should not be shaken. The dose and insulin type will vary, depending on the severity of the animal's diabetes. Typically, animals are injected one to two times daily with 0.25 to 0.5 units per pound.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.