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Itisha Arya

Inhaled Insulin: How Does This Needle-Free Option Work For People With Diabetes?

inhaled insulin

Cipla, a global name in inhalation therapies, has announced the launch of Afrezza, the world’s only rapid-acting <span>inhaled insulin</span>, in India. The drug is approved for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help manage high blood sugar levels and represents a notable change in how insulin can be delivered in a country facing a growing diabetes crisis.

For many patients, injecting insulin during long workdays or in public spaces can be uncomfortable or inconvenient. While insulin injections are widely used, awareness around inhaled insulin remains limited. Below, we explain how inhaled insulin works and what it means for people living with diabetes.

Inhaled insulin is a fast-acting form of insulin that is taken as a fine powder through an inhaler. Instead of being injected, it is breathed into the lungs, where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream to manage blood sugar spikes that occur after meals. This makes it a needle-free option for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

It begins working very rapidly, often just before or at the start of a meal, and exits the body sooner than injectable insulin. Because of this, it may lower the risk of insulin stacking and offers greater flexibility around mealtimes. Afrezza is currently the main FDA-approved inhaled insulin available.

<h2>How To Use Inhaled Insulin?</h2>Unlike traditional insulin injections given under the skin, inhaled insulin is absorbed through the lining of the lungs, which allows it to enter the bloodstream quickly. “It functions like fast-acting insulin but starts acting sooner and also clears the body faster than conventional insulin,” said Dr Pranav Ghody, consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, speaking to The Indian Express.

The insulin comes as a dry powder and is taken using a small, discreet inhaler with single-use cartridges available in 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. It has been approved by the FDA for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar rises after meals. “Its absorption into the bloodstream is faster than injectable rapid-acting insulins such as lispro or aspart,” said Dr Hetashvi Gondaliya, as reported by The Indian Express.

<h2>How Does Inhaled Insulin Work For Diabetic People?</h2>

Before starting inhaled insulin, patients are required to undergo lung function tests. The insulin itself is identical to the insulin used in injections. What differs is the way it enters the body.

In simple terms, the insulin is not new, only the method of delivery is. Once inhaled, it is absorbed through the lungs, passes into the bloodstream, and helps control the rise in blood sugar levels that happens after eating.

<h2>Is Inhaled Insulin Better Than Injectable Insulin?</h2>

Inhaled insulin is not necessarily better for everyone, but it offers an alternative to injections. It works faster to control post-meal blood sugar levels and may appeal to people who dislike needles. However, it is less efficient than injected insulin, requires a specific inhaler, and is not suitable for all patients.

Studies show that blood sugar control is similar to injectable insulin, but inhaled insulin must still be used along with long-acting basal insulin. It is best viewed as an option rather than a replacement.

<h2>Is Inhaled Insulin Suitable For All Diabetic Patients?</h2>

According to the National Institutes of Health, inhaled insulin is not appropriate for everyone. It may be considered for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who want a needle-free option or need rapid control of blood sugar after meals.

However, it is not recommended for people who smoke or have smoked in the past six months, or for those with lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, or bronchitis. It is also not approved for children or pregnant women. Lung health and ongoing insulin needs must be carefully evaluated before starting this treatment.

Always consult your doctor before switching to or starting inhaled insulin. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether it is safe and suitable for you based on your medical history and lung health.

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Cipla, a global name in inhalation therapies, has announced the launch of Afrezza, the world’s only rapid-acting inhaled insulin, in India. The drug is approved for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help manage high blood sugar levels and represents a notable change in how insulin can be delivered in a country facing a growing diabetes crisis.For many patients, injecting insulin during long workdays or in public spaces can be uncomfortable or inconvenient. While insulin injections are widely used, awareness around inhaled insulin remains limited. Below, we explain how inhaled insulin works and what it means for people living with diabetes.What Is Inhaled Insulin?Inhaled insulin is a fast-acting form of insulin that is taken as a fine powder through an inhaler. Instead of being injected, it is breathed into the lungs, where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream to manage blood sugar spikes that occur after meals. This makes it a needle-free option for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.It begins working very rapidly, often just before or at the start of a meal, and exits the body sooner than injectable insulin. Because of this, it may lower the risk of insulin stacking and offers greater flexibility around mealtimes. Afrezza is currently the main FDA-approved inhaled insulin available.How To Use Inhaled Insulin?Unlike traditional insulin injections given under the skin, inhaled insulin is absorbed through the lining of the lungs, which allows it to enter the bloodstream quickly. “It functions like fast-acting insulin but starts acting sooner and also clears the body faster than conventional insulin,” said Dr Pranav Ghody, consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, speaking to The Indian Express.The insulin comes as a dry powder and is taken using a small, discreet inhaler with single-use cartridges available in 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. It has been approved by the FDA for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar rises after meals. “Its absorption into the bloodstream is faster than injectable rapid-acting insulins such as lispro or aspart,” said Dr Hetashvi Gondaliya, as reported by The Indian Express.How Does Inhaled Insulin Work For Diabetic People?Before starting inhaled insulin, patients are required to undergo lung function tests. The insulin itself is identical to the insulin used in injections. What differs is the way it enters the body.In simple terms, the insulin is not new, only the method of delivery is. Once inhaled, it is absorbed through the lungs, passes into the bloodstream, and helps control the rise in blood sugar levels that happens after eating.Is Inhaled Insulin Better Than Injectable Insulin?Inhaled insulin is not necessarily better for everyone, but it offers an alternative to injections. It works faster to control post-meal blood sugar levels and may appeal to people who dislike needles. However, it is less efficient than injected insulin, requires a specific inhaler, and is not suitable for all patients.Studies show that blood sugar control is similar to injectable insulin, but inhaled insulin must still be used along with long-acting basal insulin. It is best viewed as an option rather than a replacement.Is Inhaled Insulin Suitable For All Diabetic Patients?According to the National Institutes of Health, inhaled insulin is not appropriate for everyone. It may be considered for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who want a needle-free option or need rapid control of blood sugar after meals.However, it is not recommended for people who smoke or have smoked in the past six months, or for those with lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, or bronchitis. It is also not approved for children or pregnant women. Lung health and ongoing insulin needs must be carefully evaluated before starting this treatment.Always consult your doctor before switching to or starting inhaled insulin. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether it is safe and suitable for you based on your medical history and lung health.