Inhaled insuline

A device which allows people with diabetes to inhale, rather than inject, insulin. Tests carried out around the UK and in the US have shown that the device is as effective as conventional injections. However, they said inhaled insulin would not be suitable for everyone. The device, which would fit into a handbag, contains a blister pack of insulin in the form of dry powder. To release the powder, the user presses a button and inhales the powder. Anthony Barnett, professor of medicine at the University of Birmingham, who has been involved in the insulin inhaler research, said the device - which delivers short-acting insulin - could cut the number of injections people with Type 1 diabetes need to just one or two. The researchers have also looked at people with Type 2 diabetes, which usually develops in adulthood and can often be controlled with diet and medicines. They said inhaled insulin appeared to give better blood glucose control than taking tablets.

Source: news.bbc.co.ukAdded: 29 June 2006