Inhaler for diabetes

Almost every major drug manufactuer is going after the inhaled insulin market. The closest at this time is Pfizer who's "EXUBERA" inhaled insulin product is in Phase III clinical trials.

Inhalers are typically for type 1's and they have a problem. The problem is dose control. Compared to insulin pumps or even syringes, using an inhaler is like using a sledge hammer for dosing control. Imagine the variables that smoking, pnemonia, asthma, etc present when trying to effectively use an inhaler. Ahhh but thats what Phase III trials are all about, getting the kinks out. I would imagine by the time this product is ready, sometime late next year, these and other problems will have been ironed out. Hope this helps.

The inhaler was really developed for the diabetic that just can't cope with needles.  It is NOT a better method of delivery than by needle, but as you say, just a less invasive method.  My method of coping with the needles as Im as big a baby about giving myself shots as anyone, is I use very very small needles (BD 33g 3/16's of an inch).

The new inhaler has been developed to use blister packs of insulin in powder form, equivalent to 9 unit or 3 unit doses.

As I metioned earlier, a major problem with the inhaled  approach at this point is its inability to deliver more precise insulin doses. Three units of Regular insulin would make it difficult for many to achieve excellent control which is the real goal of insulin delivery. Using the 1800 Rule for Regular insulin, someone on 50 units of insulin per day would drop 90 points (5 mmol) in their blood sugar per 3 unit pack, while someone on 30 units a day would drop 180 points (10 mmol) per pack. Precise control flies out the window with this sledge hammer approach, especially compared to insulin pumps capable of delivering tenths of a unit with precision.

In my opinion its a bit of a Rube Goldberg device but if it gets people that are needle shy to start taking insulin, so much the better.  For the majority of us, its simply not the answer.

Warren

Yeah!! Kidlets should definately use tiny needles.  The company BD makes 31g needles. These are really very very tiny. I use them in a 3/16's inch length but you should ask your doctor about that length as sometimes the shorter needle will deliver insulin faster (it will react faster).  In any event BD makes the 31g needles in a variety of lengths and barrel capacites so you can get just what you need.

I was so needle shy when I first had to use Lantus insulin. I looked a the needles in the hospital they were giving me the insulin with and said YIKES!!!  These are sooooo tiny about 85% of the time I can't even feel them go in.  I just rest the needle against the pinched skin and with just a whisper of pressure it slides in.  These needles have some sort of a micro fine coating as a lube the makes them slide soooo easy they are virtually pain free.

 Warren