Inhaled human insulin ((insulin human [rDNA origin]) Inhalation Powder) in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Inhaled human insulin ((insulin human [rDNA origin]) Inhalation Powder) is a prandial insulin approved in the EU and the US for the treatment of adults with diabetes. Its glycaemic control is comparable to subcutaneous insulin in Type 1 and 2 diabetes, and has superior efficacy versus oral antidiabetic agents in Type 2 diabetes. Hypoglycaemia and mild-to-moderate cough are the main side effects. The treatment group differences in pulmonary function occur early, and are small, nonprogressive for up to 2 years and reversible following discontinuation. Patient-reported outcomes data displays higher diabetes treatment satisfaction, improvements in some quality-of-life scores, and treatment preference with inhaled human insulin versus traditional means. Availability of inhaled insulin may increase insulin acceptance and thus improve glycaemic control in patients with diabetes.