Inhalable Insulin: A New Tool for Managing Blood Sugar
Managing blood sugar levels is one of the most important parts of living with diabetes, whether it’s Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Every person living with diabetes has unique challenges, and finding effective ways to manage blood sugar can make a big difference in overall health. One tool that is becoming increasingly popular for managing high blood sugar is Afrezza, an inhalable insulin that may offer a faster and more convenient option than traditional insulin methods.
What is Afrezza?
Afrezza is a fast-acting, inhalable insulin used by some people living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. It is designed to be an alternative to the more traditional methods of insulin delivery, such as injections or insulin pumps. Instead of injecting insulin or using a pump, the user inhales the insulin directly into their lungs through a small device. Once inhaled, the insulin is absorbed into the bloodstream, helping to lower blood sugar levels quickly.
Many individuals with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes may find this method useful when dealing with high blood sugars that don’t come down with their usual insulin regimen. It’s especially effective for those who experience stubborn highs that don’t respond to injections or insulin pumps.
How Does Afrezza Work?
The primary benefit of Afrezza is how quickly it works. When compared to traditional rapid-acting insulin, which typically takes 15 minutes to start working and up to an hour to peak, Afrezza starts working almost immediately. Within about 40 minutes of inhalation, it can reduce blood sugar levels significantly. The insulin from Afrezza also leaves the body more quickly than injected insulin, typically within 90 minutes.
This fast action makes Afrezza a potentially great option for people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes who need quick results when their blood sugar is high. Whether you're using Afrezza as a primary insulin method or as a supplemental option alongside your insulin pump or injections, its quick onset can be an important addition to a diabetes management plan.
Benefits of Using Afrezza
- Rapid Action: For people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, Afrezza is incredibly fast-acting. This is especially beneficial for those times when blood sugar remains elevated despite other efforts to bring it down.
- Convenience: Since Afrezza doesn’t require injections or being attached to a pump, it’s a more convenient option for those looking for a simpler way to manage blood sugar.
- Effective for Stubborn Highs: When blood sugar levels don’t respond to usual treatments, Afrezza can be a great tool to bring them back into range quickly. It is particularly useful for managing high blood sugars that have been resistant to insulin injections or pumps.
Afrezza as Part of a Diabetes Care Plan
Integrating Afrezza into a diabetes dietitian or T1D dietitian’s treatment plan can offer significant advantages in terms of blood sugar control. It works best as a supplement to other forms of insulin, helping people with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar more effectively. For those who have trouble maintaining blood sugar within target ranges, especially after meals, Afrezza could be an option worth discussing with a Diabetes Educator or T2D dietitian.
Before starting Afrezza, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider, such as a Type 1 diabetes dietitian, to ensure it’s the right choice for individual needs. By tailoring treatment plans to each person’s unique situation, Afrezza can become an effective part of a diabetes management toolkit.
Conclusion
For individuals living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, Afrezza offers a promising alternative to traditional insulin methods. Its rapid action and convenience can provide effective blood sugar control, particularly for those dealing with stubborn high blood sugar levels. If someone is looking for better control over their blood sugar while maintaining an active and fulfilling life, discussing Afrezza with a diabetes dietitian, T1D dietitian, or T2D dietitian could be a great next step in the management journey.
