When living with Diabetes Mellitus, insulin injections have become a part of daily life for some people. Getting a needle every day before eating and getting ready for it is really a bit of a hassle. For some, even the sight of these needles scares them. Have you ever thought, "How nice it would be if there was an easier way to use insulin without having to worry about it every day?" Well, today we are talking about something that could be a solution. That is inhaled insulin, or Inhaled Insulin .
What is Inhaled Insulin?
Simply put, this is the same insulin. But not as an injection, but as a powder . Using a device similar to an inhaler used by people with asthma, this insulin powder is inhaled into the body as if we were breathing.
Imagine, when you get an injection, the insulin goes into the fatty layer under the skin, and from there it slowly enters the blood. It takes about 90 to 120 minutes. But this inhaled insulin goes directly to the lungs. Our lungs are a place with lots of tiny blood vessels, where things can be absorbed quickly. So this insulin powder enters the blood very quickly and starts working. It usually starts working at its peak within 45 minutes.
One of the biggest advantages of this is that it works at a rate that is very similar to the rate at which insulin naturally works in the body of a person without diabetes. Therefore, blood sugar control occurs more naturally.
How do I use this? and how do I store it?
When you start this treatment, your doctor will tell you exactly how to use the inhaler and the dose you need. It is usually taken before main meals.
How to use:
1. First, exhale as much air as possible from your lungs.
2. Then, place the mouthpiece of the inhaler in your mouth and take a deep breath .
3. After inhaling, try to hold your breath for as long as possible.
4. Then breathe normally.
The most important thing is to use the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the recommended dosage. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor about it.
How to store:
- Unused, sealed cartridges and inhalers can be stored in the fridge or at room temperature.
- If you start using an inhaler , you should discard it after 15 days.
- If a cartridge is kept at room temperature , use it within 10 days. If it is kept in the refrigerator, it can be used until the expiration date.
What are the advantages of this method?
This method has several advantages over insulin injections. Let's see what they are.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| No need to poke holes. | This is the biggest advantage. This is a great relief for those who are afraid of needles and who find it difficult to pierce them every day. |
| Quick implementation | When taken before meals, it quickly begins to control blood sugar levels. |
| Easy to use | The inhaler is small, so it's easy to take anywhere. It doesn't require a lot of preparation like preparing a vaccine. It can be used without anyone seeing it. |
| Low risk of hypo | The risk of hypoglycemia has been shown to be lower than with some types of vaccines. |
| May help with weight control | Some studies have shown that this may also help control unwanted weight gain. |
Are there any side effects? Let's be aware!
Like any medication, this one can have minor side effects as well as serious conditions that require attention.
| Type of side effect | Possible symptoms |
|---|---|
| Common side effects | Cough, headache, nausea (stomach upset), feeling hungrier than usual, fatigue, shivering, sweating. |
| Serious side effects to be aware of | |
| Situations that require immediate medical advice | Difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, skin rash or itching, rapid heartbeat, swelling of the limbs or face, rapid weight gain, extreme fatigue, and confusion. If you experience anything like this, see your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. |
Doesn't this suit everyone?
Yes, this is not for everyone. There are a few things to keep in mind, especially.
- This is not suitable for people with asthma.
- This is also not suitable for people with other chronic lung diseases such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) .
The reason is that this insulin powder can sometimes cause a sudden tightening of the airways in the lungs (bronchospasm). This can be very dangerous for people with diseases such as asthma. Therefore, before starting this treatment, your doctor may do a test to check your lung function (spirometry).
Types on the market and things to know
There used to be an inhaled insulin called `(Exubera)`, but it was withdrawn from the market due to its large inhaler and other problems. The type currently in use in the world is `(Afrezza)`.
However, there are two important things you need to know about this:
1. Not for emergencies: This cannot be used in an emergency, serious condition like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where a fast-acting injectable insulin is needed.
2. Cannot be used as a substitute for long-acting insulin (basal insulin): People with Type 1 Diabetes or some people with Type 2 Diabetes need a long-acting insulin injection (basal insulin) that works throughout the day. This inhaled insulin only covers the sugar levels that come with meals. Therefore, your long-acting insulin injection cannot be stopped because of this.
Ultimately, it's up to your doctor to decide whether this is right for you. He or she will help you make the best decision based on your health, lifestyle, and how well your diabetes is controlled.
Take-Home Message
- Inhaled insulin is a fast-acting type of insulin that comes in powder form and can be used instead of injections for diabetes.
- The biggest advantage of this is that it does not require any pins and is easy to use.
- This is not at all suitable for people with lung diseases such as asthma or COPD.
- This only covers meal-related insulin needs. You should continue to receive your long-term (basal) insulin injections.
- As with any new treatment, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor about any concerns you may have before starting and during use.
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