Inhaled Insulin Safe and Effective For Diabetes
posted 01/12/04

By David Douglas

NEW YORK - When given with a special device, inhaled insulin controls blood sugar levels just as well as the injectable form in people with type 2 diabetes, Danish researchers report.

"Treatment with inhaled insulin is a promising non-invasive alternative to insulin injections," lead researcher Dr. Kjeld Hermansen told Reuters Health.

Hermansen, from Aarhus University Hospital and colleagues, note in the medical journal Diabetes Care that, when given with an inhaler device called AERx, insulin is delivered in precisely sized droplets during optimal breathing conditions.

Although the inhaled form is known to be well tolerated, it was unclear if it was as safe and effective as the injectable type.

To investigate, the research team treated107 diabetic patients with either inhaled or injectable insulin. The inhaled form was given with AERx immediately before meals, whereas the injectable type was given 30 minutes before meals. In addition, doses of both types were given at bedtime.

At the end of the 12-week study, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of long-term sugar control. However, fasting blood sugar levels were significantly lower in the inhaled insulin group.

The rate of side effects was similar in both groups and there were no major safety problems.

Thus, the researchers conclude that the inhaled insulin system is as effective as injectable insulin in achieving blood sugar control. Nevertheless, they also observe that "further studies are needed to specifically investigate the long-term safety of this system."

Source: HealthDayNews.

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