Understanding U-40 and U-100 Insulin and Syringes
Your veterinarian will prescribe either U-100 or U-40 insulin for your pet. It is critical that you use the corresponding insulin syringe for proper dosing. While U-40 is often prescribed for cats and dogs, it’s important to know there are two types of syringes used for insulin injections. The U-40 syringe, which will always have a red cap and tends to be smaller in size, and the U-100 syringe, which has an orange cap and is a little larger in size.
What does the “U” mean?
“U”, on the syringe and insulin bottle, refers to units of active insulin.
What is the difference between U-40 and U-100?
U-40 insulin has 40 units of insulin per milliliter of liquid, and U-100 has 100 units of insulin per milliliter of liquid. This means for the exact same liquid volume, U-100 insulin has 2.5 times more units of insulin than U-40 insulin.
Overall, U-40 insulin is a more soluble insulin specifically designed for cats and dogs. If your veterinarian prescribes U-40 insulin, it is essential to use a U-40 insulin syringe for proper dosing. Likewise, if your veterinarian prescribes U-100 insulin, you should use a corresponding U-100 insulin syringe.