Most of the 38 million people Living with Diabetes In the United States, daily injections or insulin pumps are used to keep glucose at safe levels. But new research suggests that a third option may be just as effective.
In a study led by Dr. Irl B. Hirsch, medical director of the Diabetes Care Center at the University of Washington Medical Center, inhaled insulin – Similar to an asthma inhaler – Works just as well as an injection or pump to control type 1 diabetes.
The study was presented last week at the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) 84th Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida.
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The clinical trial tested a product called Afrezza, an inhaled basal insulin manufactured by MannKind Corporation of California.
Afrezza, the only inhaled insulin on the market, has been on the market since receiving FDA approval in June 2014.
A recent study found that inhaled insulin was just as effective in controlling type 1 diabetes as injections or pumps. (iStock/MannKind)
Benefits of the third option
“For patients with type 1 diabetes, insulin is necessary for survival” Hirsch told Fox News Digital in an interview.
“With continuous glucose sensing, glucose control is dramatically improved. However, not everyone will reach their goals with multiple injections or pumps, and each treatment has many pros and cons,” he said.
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When using a pump, people must wear the device, which can cause: skin problems.
You will also need to purchase additional accessories.
Blood sugar levels are also: fall while exercisingHirsch warned that this could be problematic.
Afrezza, the inhaled basal insulin pictured, is manufactured by MannKind Corporation of California. (Mankind)
“Injections may be more convenient overall for some, but they are not as effective as pump patients,” he said.
In the case of Afrezza, the product is inhaled into the lungs before a meal, and the short-acting insulin minimizes the glucose surge that often occurs after a meal, Hirsch noted.
“People with type 1 diabetes should consider this as another option for mealtime insulin and talk to their doctors about this option.”
city 17 weeks of studyResearchers evaluated the outcomes of 141 adults who were assigned to use the Afrezza inhaler or continue using traditional injection or pump delivery methods.
At 17 weeks, all participants switched to inhalers for 13 weeks.
Dr. Irl B. Hirsch, medical director of the University of Washington Medical Center Diabetes Care Center, led the new study. (Mankind)
All groups were assessed through continuous blood glucose monitoring at study entry and at weeks 17 and 30.
Among the inhaled insulin group, 30% of participants achieved inhaled insulin levels. target blood sugar level (blood sugar less than 7%) compared to 17% of people using injections and pumps.
There was no difference in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) between the groups.
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“There was no difference in HbA1c, which typically reflects average blood sugar, which is the primary endpoint,” Hirsch said.
“But that alone can be misleading. Many patients had better results in glycemic control, while others did worse.”
Afrezza inhales the product into the lungs before a meal, and the short-acting insulin minimizes the blood sugar spikes that often occur after a meal, doctors said. (Mankind)
“The bottom line is that while inhaled insulin may not be right for everyone, some have had better results than pumps.”
Those who saw the best results inhaled insulin Between meals And at bedtime, Hirsch added.
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At the end of the study, more than half of the participants said they had decided to continue on inhaled insulin therapy.
“Most importantly, people with type 1 diabetes should consider this as another option for mealtime insulin. Consult your doctor “About this choice,” he advised.
‘Add value’
The American Diabetes Association acknowledged the potential of the study’s findings in an email to Fox News Digital.
“We look forward to our annual scientific session where we will see data such as the results from the INHALE-3 study. Diabetes Management“, Dr. Raveendhara Bannuru, ADA vice president for health care affairs and quality improvement outcomes in Boston, Massachusetts, told Fox News Digital in an email.
“With continuous glucose sensing, glucose control is dramatically improved,” one doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“We hope that alternative insulin delivery methods will continue to be developed to provide options for people with diabetes,” the group said in a statement.
“The INHALE-3 trial showed that inhaled insulin combined with insulin degludec effectively reduced A1c levels without hypoglycemia or weight gain in patients with type 1 diabetes. This adds value to insulin treatment options.”
Potential Risks and Limitations
Although more people achieved their blood sugar goals using Afrezza, some subjects had worse numbers when switching from their usual method to inhaled insulin. “Potentially, missing inhaled insulin doses during the day or underdosing at bedtime may be responsible,” the researchers wrote.
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“We haven’t noticed any concerns,” Hirsch said when asked about side effects.
“As expected, some people started coughing immediately after taking insulin, but this did not cause any significant concern and all continued to use inhaled insulin.”
“Not everyone reaches their goals with multiple injections or pumps, and each treatment has many pros and cons,” one doctor said. (iStock)
The most common side effects noted in the study were hypoglycemia, cough, and throat pain or irritation.
Afrezza has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of acute bronchospasm in patients with chronic lung diseases including: Asthma or COPDAccording to the manufacturer.
“Insulin inhalation is not for everyone, but some have had better results than using a pump.”
Before starting Afrezza, patients should see their doctor for a physical examination and measurement tests. lung function.
Patients who smoke or have recently quit smoking should not take inhalants.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to MannKind for further comment.
