Insulin therapy

Diabetes mellitus is caused by a lack of available insulin. Your diabetic cat’s insulin level can be restored with daily insulin injections.

Caninsulin is a lente insulin preparation used for the treatment of diabetic cats. Caninsulin is extracted from the pancreas of pigs. Porcine insulin is similar in structure to feline insulin.

Looking after your diabetic cat’s insulin

Insulin is a fragile substance. Incorrect storage and use of insulin may mean that it does not have the proper effect when given to your cat.

• Insulin must always be kept in the fridge – only remove it when drawing up an injection.

• Insulin must not be frozen – freezing destroys insulin.

• Always store the insulin in an upright position – this helps to avoid excessive crystallisation around the vial cap.

• Gently invert the vial a few times before use to re-suspend the insulin.

For complete instructions on injecting insulin see:

• Injection technique - Step-by-step description on insulin injections
• Video describing injection technique.