The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the inhaled human insulin product Afrezza (MannKind Corp) to improve glycemic control in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Afrezza is a rapid-acting inhaled insulin to be administered prior to meals or within 20 minutes of starting a meal. It is not a substitute for long-acting insulin, and must be used in combination with long-acting insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes. It is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis or in patients who smoke or who have chronic lung disease.
The most common adverse reactions associated with Afrezza in clinical trials were hypoglycemia, cough, and throat pain or irritation. Afrezza will have a Boxed Warning advising that acute bronchospasm has been observed in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The article seems to say that
The article seems to say that it is not a substitute for long acting insulin in patients with Type 1 diabetes but not so clear on Type 2 diabetes
It is a not a stand alone
It is a not a stand alone treatment and is meant to be used along with your existing insulin treatment. It does seem to be available for both type 1 and type 2 adult patients (not kids). FDA estimates that the drug should be available sometime early 2015.
Interesting development. Will
Interesting development. Will be easier to use. The article does not mention whether it can replace long-acting insulin. Any thoughts, any one?