ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/insulin-detemir
US brand names:Levemir
Insulin Detemir is dosed at 0.1–0.25 IU/kg SC q12h in cats, per Behrend E, Holford A, Lathan P, Rucinsky R, Schulman R. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2018;54(1):1-21. doi:10.5326/jaaha-ms-6822; Hoelmkjaer KM, Spodsberg EMH, Bjornvad CR. Insulin detemir treatment in diabetic cats in a practice setting. J Feline Med Surg. 2015;17(2):144-151. doi:10.1177/1098612x14538642; Roomp K, Rand J. Evaluation of detemir in diabetic cats managed with a protocol for intensive blood glucose control. J Feline Med Surg. 2012;14(8):566-572. doi:10.1177/1098612x12446211 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.683 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Acylated insulin analogue that binds albumin after injection, providing slow release and prolonged duration of action with reduced variability.
Hypoglycemia risk. Monitor blood glucose curves. May have shorter duration in cats than glargine. Dose individually.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 0.1–0.25 IU/kg | q12h | Moderate | Behrend E, Holford A, Lathan P, Rucinsky R, Schulman R. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2018;54(1):1-21. doi:10.5326/jaaha-ms-6822; Hoelmkjaer KM, Spodsberg EMH, Bjornvad CR. Insulin detemir treatment in diabetic cats in a practice setting. J Feline Med Surg. 2015;17(2):144-151. doi:10.1177/1098612x14538642; Roomp K, Rand J. Evaluation of detemir in diabetic cats managed with a protocol for intensive blood glucose control. J Feline Med Surg. 2012;14(8):566-572. doi:10.1177/1098612x12446211 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.683 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | SC | 0.1–0.3 IU/kg | q12h |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| JVIM 2015; Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook |