The majority of the 38 million Living with Diabetes Americans use daily injections or insulin pumps to keep their blood sugar levels at safe levels, but new research suggests a third option may be just as effective.
The study, led by Dr. Irving B. Hirsch, medical director of the Diabetes Care Center at the University of Washington Medical Center, Inhaled insulin The drug, which resembles an asthma inhaler, was just as effective as injections or pumps at controlling 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 made by MannKind Pharmaceuticals of California.
Afrezza, the only inhaled insulin on the market, was approved by the FDA and launched in June 2014.
Recent studies have found that inhaled insulin is as effective as injections or pumps in controlling type 1 diabetes. (iStock/Mankind)
The advantages of the third option
“For people with type 1 diabetes, insulin Necessary for survival” Hirsch said in an interview on Fox News Digital.
“Continuous glucose monitoring has dramatically improved blood sugar control, but only a limited number of people can reach their goals with multiple injections or a pump, and each treatment has many advantages and disadvantages,” he said.
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Using a pump requires the patient to wear the device, which results in Skin problems.
You will also need to purchase additional accessories.
Blood sugar levels Decreased by exerciseHirsch warned that could be problematic.
Afrezza, the inhaled basal insulin shown here, is manufactured by MannKind, Inc., of California. (Mankind)
“Overall, injections may be convenient for some people, but they’re not as effective as patients who use pumps,” he said.
Afrezza is inhaled into the lungs before meals, and the fast-acting insulin minimizes the spike in blood sugar that often occurs after meals, Hirsch noted.
“People with type 1 diabetes should consider this as an alternative to mealtime insulin and discuss this option with their doctor.”
Between 17-Week StudyResearchers evaluated the outcomes of 141 adults who were assigned to use the Afrezza inhaler or continue with the traditional injection or pump method.
At week 17, all participants switched to using inhalers for an additional 13 weeks.
The new study was led by Irving B. Hirsch, M.D., medical director of the Diabetes Care Center at the University of Washington Medical Center. (Mankind)
All groups were assessed with continuous glucose monitoring at the start of the study, at 17 weeks, and at 30 weeks.
In the inhaled insulin group, 30% of participants Target Blood Glucose Level (blood glucose levels below 7%) and the proportion using injections or pumps was 17%.
There was no difference between the groups in terms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).
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“In general, there was no difference in HbA1c, the primary endpoint that reflects average blood glucose levels,” Hirsch said.
“But that’s misleading. While many patients saw their glycemic control improve, others saw it worsen.”
Afrezza is inhaled into the lungs before meals, and the fast-acting insulin minimizes the spike in blood sugar levels that often occurs after meals, doctors said. (Mankind)
“The bottom line is that while inhaled insulin isn’t for everyone, some people have better results with it than with a pump.”
Those with the best results took inhaled insulin. During meals And at bedtime, Hirsch added.
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After completing the study, more than half of the participants said they would choose to continue with inhaled insulin therapy.
“The biggest takeaway is that people with type 1 diabetes should consider this as an alternative to mealtime insulin. Consult a doctor “About this choice,” he advised.
“Added value”
In an email to Fox News Digital, the American Diabetes Association acknowledged the promise of the study’s findings.
“Every year we look forward to the scientific sessions to see data that could lead to potential medical advances, such as the results from the INHALE-3 study. Diabetes Care“We’re not going to be able to provide the care we need,” Lavendara Bannur, MD, PhD, ADA vice president of medical operations and quality improvement outcomes in Boston, Massachusetts, told Fox News Digital in an email.
“Continuous glucose monitoring has dramatically improved blood sugar control,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“We look forward to the continued development of alternative insulin delivery methods that provide options for people with diabetes,” the group said in a statement.
“The INHALE-3 trial demonstrated that the combination of inhaled insulin and insulin degludec effectively reduced A1c levels without increasing hypoglycemia or weight gain in patients with type 1 diabetes, adding a value to insulin therapy options.”
Potential risks and limitations
Although more people achieved their blood glucose targets with Afrezza, some participants who switched from regular insulin to inhaled insulin experienced worsening levels, “possibly due to forgetting to take inhaled insulin during the day or taking an insufficient dose before bedtime,” the researchers wrote.
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Asked about side effects, Hirsch said he had “not seen any that were of concern.”
“As expected, a few people coughed immediately after receiving the insulin, but no major issues were observed and everyone continued with their inhaled insulin.”
“Not everyone can reach their goal with multiple injections or pumps, and each treatment has many advantages and disadvantages,” the doctor said. (iStock)
The most common side effects identified in studies were hypoglycemia, cough, and sore or irritated throat.
Afrezza is associated with a risk of acute bronchospasm in patients with chronic lung disease. Asthma or COPDAccording to the manufacturer.
“Inhaled insulin isn’t for everyone, but some people have had better results with it than with a pump.”
Before starting Afrezza, patients should see a doctor and undergo a laboratory test for a physical exam and measurements. Pulmonary function.
Patients who smoke or have recently quit smoking should not take inhaled medications.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to Mankind for additional comment.
