Inhalers instead of injections for diabetics

Exubera is a short-acting dose of insulin through an inhaler. It has been approved by European drug-licensing authorities for people who suffer from type 2 diabetes that develops later in life. This inhaler should replace the need for insulin injections — in part, if not in whole in people with type 2 diabetes.

However, the inhaler cannot replace long-term insulin injections in people who suffer from type 1 diabetes, which normally develops in childhood.
Up until now, the injections were the only way to deliver insulin. Inhalers have been proven to be effective in both type1 and type 2 diabetes in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Controlling blood sugar levels means prevention of complications that diabetes may lead to such as damage to the eyes and nerves.

The American market is also expecting an approval from the FDA for the insulin inhalers. It is expected that this treatment will generate sales worth £750 million a year.