Inhaled Insulin May Help Type 1 Diabetics Avoid Needles

A significant clinical trial has revealed that inhaled insulin might offer a superior option to traditional injections or automated pumps for certain type 1 diabetes patients. This new approach, involving the inhaled insulin product Afrezza combined with long-lasting insulin degludec injections, demonstrated improved blood sugar control compared to standard care methods.

During the study, approximately 21% of participants using inhaled insulin experienced a hemoglobin A1C improvement of over 0.5%, a stark contrast to the mere 5% improvement observed in those following conventional care. "These findings are likely to influence diabetes management by providing healthcare professionals and patients with an alternative insulin delivery system," stated Dr. Irl Hirsch, the lead researcher and chair of diabetes treatment and teaching at the University of Washington in St. Louis.

Inhaled insulin, provided in powder form, is administered orally via a specialized inhaler, typically taken at the start of each meal, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study involved 123 adults with type 1 diabetes who were randomly assigned to either the inhaled insulin plus degludec insulin group or to maintain their usual multiple daily insulin injections or automated insulin pump regimen. This trial extended over 16 weeks across 19 hospitals in the United States.

Diabetes patients typically have an A1C level of 6.5% or higher, as defined by the NIH. Among those with an A1C level of 7% or above, approximately 21% of individuals using inhaled insulin saw their levels drop below 7% during the study period. Notably, none of the participants receiving standard care reached this target.

Interestingly, 19% of participants who transitioned from an automated delivery system to inhaled insulin exhibited an A1C improvement exceeding 0.5%. The inhaled insulin option also found favor among study participants, with over half expressing a desire to continue using it after the trial concluded.

Nevertheless, inhaled insulin did not yield positive results for everyone. Around 26% of patients utilizing inhaled insulin experienced a deterioration in their A1C levels, compared to just 3% of those adhering to their standard care regimen. 

The findings were shared at the American Diabetes Association’s annual meeting in Orlando, Florida. It is important to note that results presented at medical conferences are considered preliminary until they are published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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