[VickyRN]

Inhaled Insulin

The Food and Drug Administration has approved an inhaled insulin for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Called Exubera, the drug is a powder form of recombinant human insulin that’s inhaled orally. More than 5 million Americans with diabetes inject insulin. With the approval of inhaled insulin, they have the first new delivery option since insulin was discovered in the 1920s.

In clinical trials, Exubera acheived peak insulin levels more quickly than regular insulin given by injection (49 minutes versus 105 minutes). In patients with type 1 diabetes, it may be added to long-acting insulin as a replacement for short-acting insulin taken with meals. In type 2 diabetes, it may be used alone, with an oral antidiabetic drug, or with long-acting insulin.

NDHnow.com - News Capsules - Inhaled Insulin

[Dabuggy]

Thank you, I know I'll see that on a test some time soon. What a giant step forward. One less syringe, cool.
Dabuggy

[Myxel67]

You should see the inhaler though--it's huge. Also requires pulmonary function tests before Rx. One of our endocrinologists says that although it starts quickly, it's action profile is more like regular insulin than like the fast acting insulin analogs.




THE LARGER VIEW IS THE PUMP AS ASSEMPLED FOR USE (smaller view does not have aerochamber attached)

[wincha]

I know some co-workers who were at a demonstration. Is for the person who will not take shots and will be complaint with this type of delivery. They are also working on a smaller version.