Last Updated on December 11, 2024
People with diabetes have used the same treatments for years. We all know about syringes, vials, and pumps. For years these have been the only way to manage diabetes, but this could be changing.
Sanofi, a pharmaceuticals company based in Paris, France released their insulin inhaler, Afrezza earlier last year. Sanofi’s inhalable insulin is the size of a large whistle and resembles a traditional asthma inhaler. The preloaded cartridges can deliver two dose sizes, .35 mg and .7 mg of insulin with a single puff.
Sanofi isn’t the first to try and produce inhalable insulin to the masses. In 2006 Pfizer developed a similar product, but was eventually pulled from the market because of a lack of popularity among diabetics.
Advantages to Inhalable Insulin
Why would you want to use an inhaler as opposed to a traditional method? Most diabetics say that the inhaler is more convenient. Having to carry around an inhaler and taking a quick breath seems to be easy and quicker than the needles.
Scared of needles? You probably have trypanophobia, the fear of needles or injections. You aren’t alone; around 20% of people suffer from the phobia. The inhaler is perfect for you if you do have this phobia. One of the largest markets for the inhaler is any person with diabetes that is apprehensive of injections.
The inhalable version of the insulin is fast acting. Keith Campbell, a certified diabetes educator says that from the time you inhale the insulin till its peak performance, “is 15 to 20 minutes”.
After a 24-week study comparing Afrezza to regular insulin treatments, the inhaler worked just as efficiently as the traditional method. Inhaler users’ experienced fewer lows due to the convenience and precision of the inhaler method.
Disadvantages to Inhalable Insulin
Unfortunately while Afrezza is fast acting, it’s also quick to0 fast leaving. The insulin will only be effective in the body for 3 to 4 hours after inhaling. For most diabetics, the 3-4 hour effectiveness won’t be a problem.
In order to get a prescription for Afrezza, not only will you have to visit your doctor, but you’ll also have to take a spirometry lung test. The test will measure the strength/health of your lungs to ensure you can safely take the inhaled insulin. This isn’t a major complication for most people, but it is something to consider.
I know what you’re asking, “so how much does it cost?” Well the price isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, but it’s not exactly an advantage either. The average price for a 28-day supply is around $230, similar to other fast-acting insulin treatments.
There could be a few minor side effects while using the inhaler. Users could experience coughing, throat pain or irritation, and in some cases chest tightening.
Can You Use Afrezza?
Visit your doctor and ask if you qualify for Afrezza. Inhalable insulin is usable for most diabetics. The few exceptions are people with existing lung complications or asthma. The inhaler is also not recommended for smokers.
Changing the Treatment of Diabetes
So how is Afrezza doing so far? Not as well as everyone expected. The inhaler has fallen short of the high expectations. The Executive Chairman Alfred Mann stated that the Afrezza inhaler was “getting off to a slower start than had been hoped.”
There are a couple reasons that Afrezza hasn’t taken off as the new diabetes treatment. Currently not every insurance provider is providing coverage for Afrezza, which means that some people would be forced to pay out of pocket. Another reason could be poor marketing. Much of the diabetes community still hasn’t heard of Afrezza and the benefits it could bring.
This new idea of inhaled insulin could change the way that diabetics manage their diabetes. Having a simple-to-use inhaler could create a seamless treatment of the disease. Syringes and vials could soon be an idea of the past.
