Managing your insulin injections when you’re out and about running errands or stuck at your desk at work can be a struggle, but a pharmaceutical company is working to make things easier.

Afrezza, an inhaled form of insulin, has been introduced to the market by MannKind, a pharmaceutical company based in Connecticut in the United States.

The New Inhaled Form of Insulin

This inhaled form of insulin is the only one of its kind. Afrezza is super tiny, small enough to fit in a pants pocket, making it very convenient. (There was a product out years ago, but the device was just not something that could conveniently be used.)

This brand-new product comes from dried human insulin which is produced in a lab. This powder is then placed in carrier particles and can reach your lungs once inhaled.

Afrezza offers fast-acting insulin that can be absorbed into the blood stream quickly, peaking at about 12-15 minutes, and is virtually out of the system within 2-3 hours.

This fast-acting feature is something that is of great interest to those with diabetes. Not only does it offer convenience, but it’s user-friendly.  

How This Form of Insulin is Different

• This inhaled form of insulin is absorbed more quickly.
• Inhaled insulin has a more rapid effect as opposed to injecting insulin.
• This form of insulin is absorbed from the cells in the lungs.
• Doses come in cartridges, and each cartridge contains a single dose.

How Does This Insulin Compare to Injectable Rapid-Acting Insulin?

In a 24-week study, Afrezza was compared to a rapid-acting, injected insulin, and this inhaled form was found to control blood sugar just as well as the injected insulin.

Another added benefit was that the study concluded that Afrezza was less likely to cause very low blood sugar which can be a common complication of insulin use.

Afrezza may be an excellent option for those who need rapid-acting insulin without the need for any needles! Keep in mind that the use of this inhaled form of insulin is not likely to replace the need for long-acting insulin in diabetes patients that need it.

Next time you’re at your doctor, it may be worth asking about Afrezza. With its promising benefits, it looks like taking insulin may have just become easier.

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