An investigation of the action of Neutral Protamine Hagedorn human analogue insulin in dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus.
BACKGROUND
Neutral Protamine Hagedorn human analogue insulin (Humulin N) is commonly used for treatment of canine diabetes mellitus (DM). However, blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations in Humulin N-treated dogs with naturally occurring DM have not been reported.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations in the clinical setting of client-owned Humulin N-treated dogs with naturally occurring, well-regulated DM.


METHODS
Ten client-owned dogs with naturally occurring, well-regulated DM.


METHODS
In this clinical study, blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations were measured when dogs received food and insulin (T(0)), at approximately every half hour for the next 2 hours, and then approximately every 2 hours for an additional 8 hours. Insulin duration of action was defined as the number of hours from T(0) to the lowest blood glucose concentration and until blood glucose concentration returned to an interpolated value of 70% of basal blood glucose concentration (Glucose(b)).


RESULTS
Mean percent of insulin-induced blood glucose suppression was 49.9 +/- 17.1% (median, 46%; range, 29-78%). Insulin duration of action ranged from 4 to 10 hours. Blood glucose concentration increased initially and returned to Glucose(b) within 0.6-2.2 hours after T(0) in 5 dogs. This initial blood glucose surge then was followed by blood glucose suppression in all 5 dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that Humulin N administered SC twice daily is an effective mode of treatment for dogs with naturally occurring DM. Postprandial hyperglycemia is present in some well-regulated diabetic dogs treated with Humulin N.
Palm
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Department of Clinical Studies, Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA.
Boston
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Refsal
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Hess
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D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007336:Insulin, Isophane / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007336:Insulin, Isophane