Eli Lilly announced in July 2005 that it will be discontinuing 4 of its insulin products: Humulin L Lente insulin, Humulin U Ultralente insulin, Iletin II Regular pork insulin, and Iletin II NPH pork insulin. Canine patients currently talking Humulin L (human origin lente insulin) should be switched to either Vetsulin (porcine origin lente) or Humulin N (human origin NPH insulin). The initial dose of Vetsulin or Humulin L should remain the same with reassessment of clinical signs, fructosamine concentrations, and serial blood glucose curves as needed. Newly diagnosed canine patients should be started on Vetsulin or Humulin N at 0.5U/kg BID.

Feline patients currently taking Humulin L or Humulin U also can be switched to Vetsulin or Humulin N. The initial dose will remain the same with reassessment of clinical signs, fructosamine concentrations, and serial blood glucose curves as needed. Alternatively, feline patients can be transitioned to PZI (long-acting, protamine zinc beef/pork origin insulin preparation) or glargine insulin (Lantus) a long-acting modified human recombinant insulin preparation. The dose of PZI is 1-3 units per cat BID. The dose of glargine is 0.5 U/kg BID if the fasting blood glucose is greater than 360 mg/dl and 0.25 U/kg BID if the fasting blood glucose is less than 360 mg/dl. For newly diagnosed feline diabetics, the goal of treatment is disease remission. Highest remission rates are achieved using glargine insulin administered in conjunction with a carbohydrate-restricted diet. The initial starting dose of glargine insulin is as stated above.