Breathing New Life into Diabetic Care: How Insulin Inhaled Powder Works?

To manage diabetes, it does not need to start with a needle. The inhaled insulin powder is currently changing how the insulin is delivered, providing a quick-acting and needle-free option for individuals who want to control their post-meal blood sugar.

Taken through the lungs rather than injections, this is an innovative form of insulin that functions quickly and fits more easily into everyday life.

This blog provides clear insights about the inhaled insulin powder, what it is, how it functions, and what its limitations and benefits are.

What is Inhaled Insulin Powder?

The inhaled insulin powder is a type of insulin that is designed to be breathed into the lungs, where it enters the bloodstream instantly. Instead of a needle, this method takes the help of a small inhaler tool, so it feels less intimidating for people who struggle with injections.

Due to its quick absorption, the inhaled insulin is primarily used for controlling the post-meal (postprandial) blood sugar spikes.

Why India’s Diabetes Landscape Matters?

In India, it has been recorded that about 10.5% of individuals have diabetes, which translates to roughly 90 million individuals living with this specific ailment. Apart from that, another report showed that the nation has the 2nd highest number of adults with diabetes globally. The number is also said to grow in the coming years.

This increasing number implies that more people may eventually require the insulin powder for diabetes therapy, especially for controlling their blood sugar after meals. But many people delay starting insulin or stop the treatment early on. They do so because of their fear of needles, complex regimens and stigma.

The powder insulin for diabetes is a great alternative for people who hesitate to use the standard injections. They are not painful, and individuals just have to inhale the powder.

How Does the Inhaled Insulin Powder Work?

The insulin inhaler for diabetes functions well when you inhale it via a small mouthpiece tool, which is very similar to an asthma inhaler. Once you inhale it, the powder starts to lower the blood sugar levels within roughly 12 minutes after inhalation. The effects of this non injectable insulin are said to last for many hours.

The insulin inhalation therapy targets the mealtime blood sugar spikes, acting immediately, while the other insulin types handle the background levels.

Furthermore, this method is perfect for individuals who are suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who need quick-acting insulin. The therapy might also be more flexible, especially for people who find the traditional insulin injections stressful or socially awkward.

Limitations and Advantages of the Inhaled Insulin Powder

When you want to use the insulin without injection, you need to have a good understanding about its benefits and limitations. Here is what you should know:

Advantages:

• No need for needles, which can enhance comfort and lower anxiety. 
• Quick action helps in controlling the blood sugar around meals. 
• Can lead to a much better adherence for individuals for inhalation instead of injections.

Limitations:

• The treatment is not a good option for every individual. People with severe lung ailments like asthma or COPD should not opt for this treatment as it can increase the chances of Bronchospasm. 
• The treatment cannot replace the long-acting insulin requirements for many people who have Type 1 diabetes. 
• The price and availability of the insulin powder may differ greatly.

What Do Experts Think?

Experts view this insulin powder as an excellent and needle-free option to handle the mealtime blood sugar increase. Its instant absorption aids in replicating the natural insulin response of the body right after the meals. However, experts stress that it does not replace the long-acting insulin. Monitoring the health of the lungs is essential before and during the usage. Overall, experts consider this option as a useful addition, but only for all the carefully selected patients.

Conclusion 

Diabetes management isn’t one-size-fits-all. Inhaled insulin powder adds another option to the toolbox- one that prioritises comfort without compromising effectiveness.

While it may not be suitable for everyone, it expands treatment choices and supports a more personalized approach to diabetes management. With proper medical guidance and monitoring, inhaled insulin can help make daily diabetes care simpler, more comfortable, and easier to follow.

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