Inhaled insulin could work as well or better than injected insulin or insulin pumps, a new clinical trial says Many patients using inhaled insulin achieved better control of blood sugar levels, on average, than those using traditional insulin methods However, about a quarter of patients on inhaled insulin had their blood sugar levels worsen MONDAY, June 24, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Inhaled insulin could be a better option than injections or pumps for some patients with type 1 , a new clinical trial shows. Patients using inhaled insulin ( ) plus long-lasting injections had better control over their blood sugar than those assigned to receive usual care, researchers report. About 21% of those on inhaled insulin had a hemoglobin A1C improvement of greater than 0.
5% during the study, compared with 5% of those on standard care, results show. The clinical trial’s results “will impact diabetes management by providing healthcare providers and patients with an alternative insulin delivery method,” said lead researcher , chair of diabetes treatment and teaching with the University of Washington in St. Louis.
Inhaled insulin comes in form and is taken by mouth using a special inhaler, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explained. It’s typically used at the beginning of each meal. For the study, 123 adults with type 1 diabetes were randomly assigned to take either inhaled insulin plus degludec insulin, or just stick with their usual multiple daily insulin injections or automa.
