Inhaled Insulin
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Inhaled Insulin being reviewed by the FDA
On September 8, the FDA started reviewing a new way to administer insulin. Inhaled insulin is a brand new technology that would allow diabetics to take insulin via inhalation. Insulin has historically always been administered via injection or sometimes by insulin pumps. There are currently 18-20 million people in the United States that are diabetic. The majority of these patients are taking insulin via the traditional methods. The companies responsible for this new technology are Pfizer and Sanofi-Aventis. This new form of insulin drug is called Exubera. Exubera is an inhaled version of insulin.
The FDA will evaluate Exubera in the strengths of 1 mg and 3 mg doses. If approved, Exubera would be the first inhaled insulin product on the market. Exubera would be used to treat people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Pfizer Test Results
According to an FDA advisory report, Pfizer recently reported that data collected from two different phase 3 studies in people with type 2 diabetes showed Exubera maintained glycemic control in patients for over a two year period. The two studies combined provided data on over 300 patients. The data also showed no negative effects on pulmonary function compared to patients who were treated with oral agents.
This type of new insulin delivery method could possibly mean reduced pain and unease with taking insulin. Many diabetics experience anxiety and physical discomfort when administering insulin. Unfortunately, this level of discomfort can lead to improper management of blood glucose levels. The importance of maintaining steady glucose levels is recognized in the short and long-term complications associated with diabetes.
The State of Diabetes
The diabetes population in the United States continues to grow each year. Estimates have the incidence of diabetes affecting from100-300 million people over the next decade. The increase in type 2 diabetes has a direct link to the incidence of obesity in the United States. People, who feel they are at risk for type 2 diabetes, should maintain a low fat diet, and participate in daily exercise. Simple life-style changes like this can reduce the chances of becoming diabetic. It is important to consult your primary care doctor prior to starting any new exercise regimen.