Inhaled insulin can control glucose levels post-meals, study finds

NEW ORLEANS An inhaled insulin can control blood sugar after meals and prevent weight gain when combined with a basal insulin, according to results of a study presented Saturday at the American Diabetes Association’s 69th scientific sessions.

The study, of MannKind’s Afresa inhalation powder (insulin human [rDNA origin]), showed that the insulin caused significantly less weight gain and risk of hypoglycemia in adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

“The unique pharmacokinetic profile of Afresa allows this product to rapidly achieve peak insulin levels,” University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry researcher John Gerich said in a statement. “These results indicate that Afresa may be a promising new therapy for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as it controls post meal-time glucose levels with the added benefits of less weight gain and lower risk of hypoglycemia.”