Inhaled insulin offers the same blood glucose control as conventional subcutaneous insulin for people with type 2 diabetes that was previously managed with at least two insulin injections a day. It’s also as effective and is well tolerated and safe.
In a six-month multicenter study, type 2s were randomized to either inhaled Exubera insulin before meals and a single injection of long-acting Ultralente insulin daily or at least two injections of mixed Regular and NPH insulin daily.
A1C decreased similarly in the Exubera and subcutaneous insulin groups. More patients in the Exubera group achieved an A1C of less than 7%.
Hypoglycemia was slightly lower in the inhaled group. There was little to no difference in severe adverse events or pulmonary function. Other adverse events, with the exception of cough in the inhaled insulin group, were similar.
—Diabetes Care, October 2004