This blog is informational only
and
NOT medical advice
Always consult your doctor before making health decisions.
While I work to ensure accuracy, errors are possible. Use this information at your
own risk.
Thank you, Julie
Inhaled insulin first appeared on the market in 2006 with Pfizer’s Exubera, though
it was withdrawn in 2007 due to poor sales.
Afrezza inhaled insulin was approved by the FDA in 2014 became available on the
U.S. market in 2015.
Inhaled insulin, like Afrezza, is a rapid-acting powdered insulin taken through an
inhaler (photo below here) before meals to control blood sugar spikes in Type 1 &
Type 2 diabetes, offering a needle-free alternative that works in minutes by
absorbing through the lungs, but requires lung function monitoring & is not
suitable for everyone, especially those with asthma or COPD (chronic cough with
mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, & chest tightness) or those who smoke. It
helps manage post-meal glucose, potentially causing less weight gain & low blood
sugar than injected insulin, but common side effects include cough, sore throat,
and lung issues, necessitating pre-treatment lung checks.
.
How it Works
- Delivery: You breathe in a fine powder from a special inhaler, similar to
asthma medication. - Absorption: The insulin goes directly into your lungs for rapid absorption
into the bloodstream. - Action: The inhaled powder begins to lower glucose in about 12 minutes,
working quickly to prevent post-meal spikes. - Usage: Typically taken right before or even slightly after starting a meal &
for correction doses (to lower high sugar).
Key Benefits - Needle-Free: Avoid injections.
- Rapid-Acting: Fast onset & offset, quicker than injected rapid-acting
insulins. - Fewer low blood sugars/Weight Gain: Studies suggest it can lead to less
weight gain & fewer delayed low blood sugars.
Important Considerations & Side Effects - Lung Function: Lung Tests required because it can cause breathing
problems or bronchospasm (making it hard to breathe, often causing
wheezing, chest tightness.) Inhaled insulin generally does not cause
permanent lung issues in non-smokers without existing lung disease - Common Side Effects: Sore throat, cough, low glucose.
- Dosing: Different cartridges (4, 8, 12 units) & conversion from injected
insulin units are needed.
An Afrezza inhaled insulin inhaler can be used for up to 15 days from the
f
irst use, then discard & start a new one, but the cartridges themselves have
specific storage & use-by dates, often requiring refrigeration & use within
days once opened from their foil packs. Long-term use requires monitoring
for potential effects like decreased lung function with regular check-ups.
Usage Instructions (General for Afrezza)
- Load the insulin cartridge into the inhaler.
- Exhale all the way.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, form a seal, & inhale fast & deeply.
- Don’t shake or turn the inhaler upside down after loading.
cost: Afrezza, varies greatly in price, from potentially $35/month with
insurance/savings cards/Medicare to over $2,000/month retail without discounts.
