New Inhaled Insulin Promises to Ease the Pain

Since it's discovery in the early 1920's, insulin has been the saving grace for people who have Type 1 diabetes. Before insulin, there was nothing available to treat it, and people were usually faced with a death sentence when they were diagnosed with Type 1.

Until now, the most common way to administer insulin was by injection. That is all changing this September when a new inhaled form of insulin hits the pharmacies.

The FDA has approved Exubera, manufactured by Pfizer, as the first inhaled insulin to be available to the public. Exubera will come in 1 mg. (3 unit) and 3 mg. (9 unit) blisters which you load into a special inhaler. Your health care provider can determine whether you are a good candidate for the new inhaled insulin and will instruct you on how to use the inhaler effectively.

Exubera may enough for some people by itself or it may be used in combination with other oral medications or insulins for better blood glucose control. Exubera is a fast acting insulin that should be inhaled 10 minutes before meals.

Exubera has been approved for adults who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. As with any medication, there are limitations about who should use Exubera. It is not without side effects as well. These should be discussed with your doctor.

Inhaled insulin should be an easy method for many people who can't or don't want to use injectable insulin. For people who are faced with having to stick themselves with a needle several times a day, this is very encouraging news.