Inhaled Insulin
Researchers, doctors, and people with diabetes agree that injected insulin works well for managing the disease. They will also likely say that delivering insulin through something other than a needle would be even better. The best option - insulin in a pill - is not feasible because the insulin would be destroyed by stomach acids.
Type 2 diabetes is a common and serious disease in the United States and worldwide. However, it’s thought that one-third of those with type 2 diabetes are unaware that they have this serious illness. Because often there are no symptoms with type 2 diabetes, early screening may help people avoid the more serious complications of this disease, including chronic hyperglycemia that’s associated with long-term damage of the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Persons with undiagnosed...
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Inhaled insulin is another option that’s been considered. Although it’s possible to make inhaled insulin, there are no inhaled insulin drugs on the market.
How Inhaled Insulin Works
The idea of inhaling insulin has been around for decades. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that researchers made it possible. First, insulin is made into a powder form. Insulin particles are delivered through an inhaler much like the type used by people with asthma. The powder is then inhaled into the lungs and enters the bloodstream through tiny blood vessels.
Inhaled Insulin and Exubera
The FDA approved the first inhaled insulin, called Exubera, in September 2006. People who have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes could use Exubera.
The drug’s maker, Pfizer, took Exubera off the market in October 2007 for financial reasons. The drug was expensive and didn’t seem to catch on with patients. In 2008, the FDA also expressed concern that Exubera could be linked to lung toxicities and lung cancer.
The Future of Inhaled Insulin
The withdrawal of Exubera from the U.S. market hasn’t ended the quest for inhaled insulin. There are other versions of the drug and inhalers currently in development for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
One is Afrezza, made by California-based MannKind Corporation. Afrezza is pre-metered ultra rapid acting mealtime insulin. The drug is designed for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, the FDA declined to approve Afrezza in early 2011 and asked the makers to provide more study data.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Brunilda Nazario, MD on September 20, 2010
© 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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