Researcher testing inhalable insulin for diabetics

[Northerner]

Like millions of diabetics, Sue Thompson pricks her finger several times a day to check her blood sugar.

When the numbers are off, she draws up an injection of insulin for yet another needle stick.

It Is a real pain.

"To eliminate the injection would be a plus in my life," said Thompson, who has suffered from type 2 diabetes for a decade.

Researchers in Dallas are studying an experimental therapy that would do just that and eliminate the injection for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics: inhalable insulin.

http://www.wfaa.com/news/health/Inhalable-Insulin-150051315.html

I thought inhalable insulin was dead in the water

 

[Vicsetter]

I wonder how you regulate the amount of insulin you inhale?

 

[Northerner]

I wonder how you regulate the amount of insulin you inhale?

Yes, I don't really understand why this is seen as a new thing. They've tried it before and it just isn't economic or workable for a number of reasons: it's difficult to regulate the amount absorbed, you need a relatively large amount compared to an injection for the same effect, it's uneconomic and they don't know what the side-effects of inhaling all that powder might be and whether it will damage the lungs. I'll stick with my pens (so to speak!) 🙂