Inhaled Insulin Gets FDA OK
Why Inhaled Insulin? continued...
That's where short-acting insulin shots come in. But it's no fun taking all those shots. That's why many people with diabetes put off starting insulin or don't take it as often as they should.
A wide range of alternatives is under development. They include insulin mouth sprays, insulin patches, and even forms of insulin that can be swallowed. And other companies -- notably a collaboration between Eli Lilly & Co. and Alkermes Inc. -- are racing to develop their own versions of insulin inhalers.
Exubera will be the first of these products to reach the market. Some analysts -- pointing to the ongoing diabetes epidemic and the fact that 7% of Americans have diabetes -- say it will be a sales blockbuster.
Whether or not sales reach the billion-dollar level, diabetes experts welcome the new products. One of them is Robert Rizza, MD, president of the American Diabetes Association and professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
"Anything that makes insulin simpler and easier to take is a major step forward," Rizza told WebMD in a June 2005 interview. "Many people's blood sugars are higher than need be. But they wait too long to start taking insulin and subject their bodies to harm. So anything that allows you to control your blood sugar sooner is likely to be a benefit."
Concern Over Lung Safety
The FDA approval of Exubera follows a 7-2 vote recommending approval by a panel of expert advisors. The advisory panel -- in a 5-4 vote -- also called for new studies of Exubera's long-term safety in people with underlying lung disease.
The FDA's approval requires the manufacturer to perform long-term studies to confirm Exubera's safety.
The drug is approved for people with type 1 diabetes and people with type 2 diabetes who need insulin to keep their blood sugar under control. However, clinical trials found that fewer than 30% of people with type 1 diabetes were able to reduce their blood sugar to recommended levels after six months on Exubera.
Pfizer and Sanofi-Aventis did not seek FDA approval for Exubera in children and teens. Early trials in children were stopped due to concerns about Exubera's effects on children's breathing. The companies plan to restart pediatric studies after consultation with the FDA.
The European Union yesterday approved Exubera for treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults.
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
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.
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 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.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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