Insulin Inhaler

[designdb]

Is anybody having good luck with the insulin inhaler? I am, so I was wondering if other type 1 diabetics were having good results. I've read a few posts and it looks like most people are using the pump which I can't stand.

I can't stand the pump not meaning the people who use the pump. LOL

[camjen1]

I'm not sure if there is a member here on the inhaled insulin yet. Can I ask why your not a fan of the pump?

[designdb]

Well back I guess 7yrs ago the needles just didn't work for me. They were long and not that sharp (I've had the disease for 37 yrs now, so the tissue isn't as easy to get a needle in as it use to be, and I rotated like crazy when I was a kid. Shots stop being effective as they were when I was younger). I was skinny and they would pop out all the time when using the pump. I was sore all the time too from the needles.

[Funnygrl]

The sets have come a long way- it might be someone to look into.

I believe there is one person here who is a type 1 in a Novo trial of inahled insulin and liking it.

[designdb]

I'm using the Exubera Inhaled Insulin. I'm getting samples right now, my Dr is trying to get my insurance to pay for it. According to the Pharmacists it's about the same price as insulin and syringes.

[gobbly2100]

I heard from my GP that it is not good for your lungs to inhale insulin but is this true? apparently you lose something like 10% of your lung capacity from using it.

[designdb]

I havn't heard that and really don't think anybody really knows because it's so new. I know one thing you have to be in great health and not smoke. Anything to get away from shots, well you have to take one shot of Lantus a day which still amazes me after all these years.
My opinion shots should of been done away with many many years ago. But I guess they have to make their money some way.

[Funnygrl]

I'm using the Exubera Inhaled Insulin. I'm getting samples right now, my Dr is trying to get my insurance to pay for it. According to the Pharmacists it's about the same price as insulin and syringes.
Hehe...your pharmacist said that? Uh...no.

[Jenn80Mc]

I don't even know of anyone where I live being on inhaled insulin. I've never been too excited about it. To me it's just as much of a pain as taking needles. On the other hand, I've never thought about it in regards to tissue build up etc.

I'll have to ask my doc if people are using it here.

Sorry, that was a babble!

[marked]

It has been over a year when I first joined DF. I had this despair thing going on, and I didn't want to share that, but I have been lurking and reading for most of the year. I thought I would check back in on this one.
I like you have had diabetes for 37 years. It is my thinking to try whatever is out there. What the ****? I was on the pump for a very short time, but it was not for me. I have been on symlin for over a year now. I love it, it helps smooth out my blood sugar spikes greatly. Last year I switched to apidra and I really like it. Even still
I just signed up for the inhaler as well. I am going to the orientation tomorrow. To me it certainly seems worth trying,nothing ventured,nothing gained.
I am excited. My friend is on it and he experiances the insulin effects as shorter acting than injected insulin. Since the symlin, I see the quicker the insulin goes through me the better. I first rejected the idea but after some thought I reckon it is worth checking out. From what I understand inhaled insulin is in the test market stage in its introduction to the public It is not yet available in all states. I do not know about oustide the U.S.
Mark

[David]

The thing that stands out for me about inhaled insulin is the 3 unit dosage increments. That may be fine in some people, like those with Type Two, where their own insulin can make up the difference, but for me, a Type One, the possibility of being three units off is a big deal. Yikes, even being off a half unit is a big deal for me. I won't even consider it until the dosage can be made more precise. JMO

David

[designdb]

The thing that stands out for me about inhaled insulin is the 3 unit dosage increments. That may be fine in some people, like those with Type Two, where their own insulin can make up the difference, but for me, a Type One, the possibility of being three units off is a big deal. Yikes, even being off a half unit is a big deal for me. I won't even consider it until the dosage can be made more precise. JMO

David

Actually the dosage is 3mg and 1mg, so I'm not sure where you're coming from. If you need 1mg take one. If you need 2mg take 2mg. If you need 5mg then take one 3mg and 2 1mg. I've been type 1 since 1969 and it's working just as good as shots or the pump.

Also it takes about 15 secs to give the dose(s), and I'm on my way to eating a meal. You would do the same thing if you have asthma. You have an inhaler you breath in the medicine and it takes care of business, well for some people because you know how medicine is, it's not made for everybody.

[JediSkipdogg]

Actually the dosage is 3mg and 1mg, so I'm not sure where you're coming from. If you need 1mg take one. If you need 2mg take 2mg. If you need 5mg then take one 3mg and 2 1mg. I've been type 1 since 1969 and it's working just as good as shots or the pump.

Also it takes about 15 secs to give the dose(s), and I'm on my way to eating a meal. You would do the same thing if you have asthma. You have an inhaler you breath in the medicine and it takes care of business, well for some people because you know how medicine is, it's not made for everybody.

Two comments....

On the dosing I was told that 1 mg of Exubera is equal to 3 units of insulin. So that;s where the dosing is not equal. Here is a study showing that result....

Dose Response of Inhaled Dry-Powder Insulin and Dose Equivalence to Subcutaneous Insulin Lispro -- Rave et al. 28 (10): 2400 -- Diabetes Care (http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/10/2400)

So 6 units of insulin is equal to 2.6 mg of exubera. Using some rounding, that means the smallest 1 mg of exubera is still 2.3 units of insulin meaning it's not very precise.

Also, on your math for 5 mg it's not correct and this is straight from Exubera....

EXUBERA® Official Site - Common questions (http://www.exubera.com/content/questions.jsp?setShowOn=../content/support.jsp&setShowHighlightOn=../content/questions.jsp)
Can I use three 1-mg blisters in place of one 3-mg blister and get the right dose of insulin?
No. Three 1-mg blisters in place of one 3-mg blister will give you more insulin than you need. If you don't have a 3-mg blister, temporarily use two 1-mg blisters and check your blood glucose. As soon as you can, get more 3-mg blisters.


My last comment is on the size of the device. This is not some Asthma inhaler. This thing is twice the size of an eyeglass case. So carrying it around is far from convenient along with using it.

I love the idea, and I know Novo Nordisk is making a more precise version with easier math. Their device to administer it is just as hard, but at least they have more precision where 5 units of liquid insulin = one 5 mg of inhaled insulin = five 1 mg of inhaled insulin.

[designdb]

It has been over a year when I first joined DF. I had this despair thing going on, and I didn't want to share that, but I have been lurking and reading for most of the year. I thought I would check back in on this one.
I like you have had diabetes for 37 years. It is my thinking to try whatever is out there. What the ****? I was on the pump for a very short time, but it was not for me. I have been on symlin for over a year now. I love it, it helps smooth out my blood sugar spikes greatly. Last year I switched to apidra and I really like it. Even still
I just signed up for the inhaler as well. I am going to the orientation tomorrow. To me it certainly seems worth trying,nothing ventured,nothing gained.
I am excited. My friend is on it and he experiances the insulin effects as shorter acting than injected insulin. Since the symlin, I see the quicker the insulin goes through me the better. I first rejected the idea but after some thought I reckon it is worth checking out. From what I understand inhaled insulin is in the test market stage in its introduction to the public It is not yet available in all states. I do not know about oustide the U.S.
Mark

You're right mark. You never know until you try it. No offense to anybody here but I keep hearing rumors about Inhaled Insulin that make me laugh. They have heard things about it that for one are unknown and/or not true. It must be the drug companies who make insulin that are stirring the pot.

After all these years of having the disease (I know I keep saying that but it’s been a long 37 yrs - Not to say that I know more that anybody here) I heard over and over - Yes a cure is right around the corner. In the next 5 years, when I was 6 yrs and every year after that hearing it on the news and articles etc, we will have a cure.
It's a bunch of bull in my opinion, and like I said in other discussions if you guys have read it - Take care of yourself, keep your blood sugars under control, and you will be just fine.
How do I know this well my A1C's throughout the years have been in the 5's which is a normal person and NO my pancreas is not working. But with that said I’m in perfect health and the Ophthalmologist keeps asking me every time I go in, “How long have you had Diabetes?” I tell her and she doesn’t believe it because my eyes are in great shape. So what I’m getting too, like I said above, take care of yourself by eating right and exercising. Also YES I have the same problems as everybody else and struggle some days and some days not. It’s the life of a Diabetic and that’s the way it is.

[designdb]

Two comments....

On the dosing I was told that 1 mg of Exubera is equal to 3 units of insulin. So that;s where the dosing is not equal. Here is a study showing that result....

Dose Response of Inhaled Dry-Powder Insulin and Dose Equivalence to Subcutaneous Insulin Lispro -- Rave et al. 28 (10): 2400 -- Diabetes Care (http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/10/2400)

So 6 units of insulin is equal to 2.6 mg of exubera. Using some rounding, that means the smallest 1 mg of exubera is still 2.3 units of insulin meaning it's not very precise.

Also, on your math for 5 mg it's not correct and this is straight from Exubera....

EXUBERA® Official Site - Common questions (http://www.exubera.com/content/questions.jsp?setShowOn=../content/support.jsp&setShowHighlightOn=../content/questions.jsp)
Can I use three 1-mg blisters in place of one 3-mg blister and get the right dose of insulin?
No. Three 1-mg blisters in place of one 3-mg blister will give you more insulin than you need. If you don't have a 3-mg blister, temporarily use two 1-mg blisters and check your blood glucose. As soon as you can, get more 3-mg blisters.


My last comment is on the size of the device. This is not some Asthma inhaler. This thing is twice the size of an eyeglass case. So carrying it around is far from convenient along with using it.

I love the idea, and I know Novo Nordisk is making a more precise version with easier math. Their device to administer it is just as hard, but at least they have more precision where 5 units of liquid insulin = one 5 mg of inhaled insulin = five 1 mg of inhaled insulin.


Well for one I'm not comparing the dosage to the dosage you take for insulin that's up to your doctor. I'm saying if you need 5 mg then you wouldn't take 2 blisters of 3mg = 6 mg. You would take 1 blister of (3mg) and 2 blisters of (1mg).

Also I didn't say anything about the size you need to read. I said discussing what a member said about the medicine itself that it's not good for you. So I was comparing to the asthma inhaler because they inhale medicine also and it's not affecting their lungs that I know about. If the size of the inhaler is a big thing for you then, gee man, I would stay with injecting insulin, if you think that's better for you. I could care less if it's as big as air tanks. If it works and I don't have to give 3 shots a day or wear a needle in me 24-7, I'm all for it.

[JediSkipdogg]

Well for one I'm not comparing the dosage to the dosage you take for insulin that's up to your doctor. I'm saying if you need 5 mg then you wouldn't take 2 blisters 6 mg. You would take 1 blister of (3mg) and 2 blisters of (1mg).


David was comparing insulin shots to exubera and saying it wasn't as precise. You then went on to talk about dosing guidelines. I was just adding on to that with the fact that 1 mg of exubera is equal to about 2.3 units of insulin. And then if a 1 mg exubera is not equal to a 3 mg exubera, then the math of what a 3 mg exubera equals is pretty hard to tell.

An example is me......If I'm running 130 I'd like to take some insulin. But with 1 mg of exubera that would drop me 80 points alone. I'd have to run above 180 before I could even consider taking a dose of exubera if I were using it.

Here's a great table showing all the math required. Exubera Indications, Dosage, Storage, Stability - Insulin Human [rDNA origin] - RxList Monographs (http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/exubera_ids.htm)

If you say need 18 units of insulin for a meal you have to do a large amount of math to find out if that is even possible. It is, by taking six 1 mg packets. But if you say need 19 units, it's two 3 mg packets and one 1 mg packet. But still the smallest amount you can correct is one 1 mg packet which is equal to 3 units of insulin (Exubera's claims but studies showed 2.3 units.)

And I can say, unless one is highly insulin resistance, then they won't be taking more than 3 units of exubera 95% of the time.

[designdb]

An example is me......If I'm running 130 I'd like to take some insulin. But with 1 mg of exubera that would drop me 80 points alone. I'd have to run above 180 before I could even consider taking a dose of exubera if I were using it.

And I can say, unless one is highly insulin resistance, then they won't be taking more than 3 units of exubera 95% of the time.

Well what I got from David's post, I thought he was thinking that 3mg was the only dosage available.
Also my Dr has me on the sliding scale, so based on the bs you would take the dose based on your bs which is normal even if you're taking insulin.
If you running 130 then you would take whatever your Dr recommends and then eat a meal. You have to remember Lantus is still working, so you are getting long lasting if you didn't know.
So anyway you wouldn't take a dose and go off and exercise or go watch a movie. You would eat something just like you would if you took insulin. You said "If I'm running 130 I'd like to take some insulin." why would you take a shot if you were 130, unless you were going to eat something are you not taking long lasting insulin?

[JediSkipdogg]

So anyway you wouldn't take a dose and go off and exercise or go watch a movie. You would eat something just like you would if you took insulin. You said "If I'm running 130 I'd like to take some insulin." why would you take a shot if you were 130, unless you were going to eat something are you not taking long lasting insulin?

I'm on the pump and even if I wasn't I would still take that unit of insulin. My goal is to stay as close to 100 as possible. So I'd take 1 unit of insulin and not eat. That would take me from 130 to 95 which is a good number to help reduce complications.

Long acting insulin has nothing to do with it. Long acting insulin covers what your body naturally produces and should not be used for anything to do with food. I wouldn't want to have to wait till I was 180 to give some insulin to bring down me down to 100 or be 140 and take enough to drop me to 60 then requiring me to eat which in turn is consuming more food and gaining weight. Also, that's the opposite of what you want insulin to do. You shouldn't have to feed insulin ever. If you do, then you are letting diabetes control you and you aren't controlling the diabetes.

Also, if you didn't know, the sliding scale method isn't used to get optimal control. Carb counting and correction factors are.

[designdb]

Oh you're on the pump well that's a different world. But what it comes down to is one shot a day and Exubra before meals. It's working and that's all I can say. As I said before some of the rumors crack me up and most likely being started by drug companies who are scared of a new invention. Also again the comparision to the asthma inhaler was comparing the medicine meaning you have to breath that medicine into your lungs, and the same thing goes for inhaled insulin.

[Funnygrl]

I'm glad it's working. I know of someone who was on a pump but getting a lot of scar tissue build up so she decided to try Exubera for a break, and it's working for her too.

For me personally, the concerns are still too many. The fact that I have asthma immediately disqualifies me, even if it was something I would want to try.

I will comment one more thing though- previously every medication that was inhaled was meant to effect the lungs- kinda like a localized effect. When you have asthma and take an inhaler, it works well cause you want it to work on your lungs. This is the first systemic medication taken via inhaler, so it's really a new idea there too. And different from asthma inhalers.

[designdb]

I'm on the pump and even if I wasn't I would still take that unit of insulin. My goal is to stay as close to 100 as possible. So I'd take 1 unit of insulin and not eat. That would take me from 130 to 95 which is a good number to help reduce complications.

Long acting insulin has nothing to do with it. Long acting insulin covers what your body naturally produces and should not be used for anything to do with food. I wouldn't want to have to wait till I was 180 to give some insulin to bring down me down to 100 or be 140 and take enough to drop me to 60 then requiring me to eat which in turn is consuming more food and gaining weight. Also, that's the opposite of what you want insulin to do. You shouldn't have to feed insulin ever. If you do, then you are letting diabetes control you and you aren't controlling the diabetes.

Also, if you didn't know, the sliding scale method isn't used to get optimal control. Carb counting and correction factors are.

Dude you need to read not assume.
I didn't say anything about taking long lasting before eating food so your wrong. That's what short acting is for. Actually if your concerned about 130 then yes long lasting would take care of it, if you knew how to use it. That's what long lasting is for and if you eat right and are a little active you should get the results you want even though everyday is different.

Carb counting is worthless and is a new technique that is made for people who think it works, so your wrong again. I know people who have gained weight are in terrible control because of carb counting.

The sliding scale, again if you know how to use it, which I guess you don't is to keep you in contol but not for optimal control which is what you said not me.

[Funnygrl]

Carb counting is worthless and is a new technique that is made for people who think it works, so your wrong again. I know people who have gained weight are in terrible control because of carb counting.

The sliding scale, again if you know how to use it, which I guess you don't is to keep you in contol but not for optimal control which is what you said not me.

Uhm....prepare for the influx of disagreers.

I'll count myself as the first.

[designdb]

I'm glad it's working. I know of someone who was on a pump but getting a lot of scar tissue build up so she decided to try Exubera for a break, and it's working for her too.

That's cool hopefully things will work for her.



For me personally, the concerns are still too many. The fact that I have asthma immediately disqualifies me, even if it was something I would want to try.

Sorry, yes your right.


I will comment one more thing though- previously every medication that was inhaled was meant to effect the lungs- kinda like a localized effect. When you have asthma and take an inhaler, it works well cause you want it to work on your lungs. This is the first systemic medication taken via inhaler, so it's really a new idea there too. And different from asthma inhalers.

I'm sure your right. I don't have asthma but what it comes down to its working, and I love it so far. I just wish they would of found away to inhale long lasting also. It was very emotional for me when I started a month ago because I'm so use to taking a shot before every meal. I almost lost it meaning I've been waiting a very long time for something like this.

[Funnygrl]

I'm actually really glad Exubera is finding it's nitch. When companies pour that much money into research, I like to see them get it back. It encourages more research. Plus, any variety is good because it gives people more choices.

[designdb]

I'm actually really glad Exubera is finding it's nitch. When companies pour that much money into research, I like to see them get it back. It encourages more research. Plus, any variety is good because it gives people more choices.

Yes you're right Funnygrl. I never thought I would be able to inhale insulin after the nose spray failed. I was really surprised when it came on the market.

[JediSkipdogg]

Dude you need to read not assume.
I didn't say anything about taking long lasting before eating food so your wrong. That's what short acting is for. Actually if your concerned about 130 then yes long lasting would take care of it, if you knew how to use it. That's what long lasting is for and if you eat right and are a little active you should get the results you want even though everyday is different.

You can get a BG of 130 pretty easily. I'm a pretty active person and there are days where I'll do some extreme work and eat to correct or cut my insulin back and I'll do it too much. If you have never done that then I applaud you, but my guess is you haven't had perfect BGs your entire life either. So hitting a 130 is easy with the correct amount of long acting (or in my case a finely tuned basal.) So correcting for that 130 is something to help my control get better. I never said I was running 130 all the time, just maybe hit it 3 hours after a meal by a slight miscount or grabbing an extra handful of crackers.

Carb counting is worthless and is a new technique that is made for people who think it works, so your wrong again. I know people who have gained weight are in terrible control because of carb counting.

If done correctly it works out flawlessly. Carbs are what raise the BG...proven fact over and over. So why not count carbs and give the proper insulin amount that brings it down?

The sliding scale, again if you know how to use it, which I guess you don't is to keep you in contol but not for optimal control which is what you said not me.

24 years of diabetes here with 20 of them on the sliding scale. The sliding scale did nothing but make me run high constantly. I was never under 150 on a sliding scale except for a few times. The sliding scale has too many factors not counted in it.

[designdb]

I didn't say he didn't do research, I said he likes to assume instead of actually reading the post. For one I didn't say anything about long lasting being used as short acting insulin. I don't need him telling me what long lasting is used for because I already know. In order to have a good discussion if somebody assumes or doesn't read correctly for what ever reason it turns to bad discussion.

[JediSkipdogg]

Oh, and if you think I think inhaled is useless it's not. But for the majority of type 1s that experience no insulin resistance and a good amount are actually insulin sensitive, the current Exubera is not for them. When Novo Nordisk comes out with their more precise insulin than it will be fine, but currently Exubera requires alot of converting and just doesn't have the precision needed for the majority of type 1s.

I didn't say he didn't do research, I said he likes to assume instead of actually reading the post. For one I didn't say anything about long lasting being used as short acting insulin. I don't need him telling me what long lasting is used for because I already know. In order to have a good discussion if somebody assumes or doesn't read correctly for what ever reason it turns to bad discussion.

But you have said that running a 130 one should change their long acting insulin. That's where I got the using long acting as a short acting from.

You are also the one that got on the topic of mg dosing with exubera after David simply said it's not as precise as insulin which started us down this entire path. So you're the one that misread and assumed there.

[Funnygrl]

Jedi, do I need to bring out the sugar free jello for you now?

[designdb]

You can get a BG of 130 pretty easily. I'm a pretty active person and there are days where I'll do some extreme work and eat to correct or cut my insulin back and I'll do it too much. If you have never done that then I applaud you, but my guess is you haven't had perfect BGs your entire life either. So hitting a 130 is easy with the correct amount of long acting (or in my case a finely tuned basal.) So correcting for that 130 is something to help my control get better. I never said I was running 130 all the time, just maybe hit it 3 hours after a meal by a slight miscount or grabbing an extra handful of crackers.

It's different everyday depending if I'm active or not. As it is with every diabetic but I know what to do. You’re saying what I just talked about above adjusting your long acting. It's all a game you have to make adjustments when necessary.

If done correctly it works out flawlessly. Carbs are what raise the BG...proven fact over and over. So why not count carbs and give the proper insulin amount that brings it down?

As you can see before you posted since you assume things, I predicted that you would say I said it was worthless. So I said it before you did because you would of said I said it anyway.

24 years of diabetes here with 20 of them on the sliding scale. The sliding scale did nothing but make me run high constantly. I was never under 150 on a sliding scale except for a few times. The sliding scale has too many factors not counted in it.

Well again that's you so don't speak for everybody in the world. Just because you think "the sliding scale has too many factors not counted in it" doesn't mean everybody in the world thinks the same if it's working for them. So your theories don’t apply to everybody in the world and that's the bottom line.

[designdb]

But you have said that running a 130 one should change their long acting insulin. That's where I got the using long acting as a short acting from.


No, I said if your running at 130 and that scares you, and you want to do something about it raise the long lasting and see what happens. I would just do some jumping jacks but that's me.

David said "The thing that stands out for me about inhaled insulin is the 3 unit dosage increments. That may be fine in some people, like those with Type Two, where their own insulin can make up the difference, but for me, a Type One, the possibility of being three units off is a big deal. Yikes, even being off a half unit is a big deal for me. I won't even consider it until the dosage can be made more precise. JMO
"

This can be interrupted in a few ways - The way that you took it and the way I took it.

Saying to adjust your long lasting if 130 scares you doesn't say anything about short acting. But anyway it doesn't matter, inhaled insulin will work for some and the sliding scale will work for some, nobody is the same.

[marked]

Jedi
I think your quote "Diabetes is an art. . . " is dead on appropriate here. If conttrol with the inhaler is not achieved because of the 1mg and 3 mg doses which do not allow to fine tune and blood sugars levels are out of range,then I will drop it. Control is the absolute here. I will use what works best and you don't know until you try. I also think symlin has changed my perspective on this,the use of symlin has leveled the playing field for me, consistent normal blood sugars are a attainable, so inhaled insulin is certainly worth trying.
Mark

[Tyler]

The thing that stands out for me about inhaled insulin is the 3 unit dosage increments. That may be fine in some people, like those with Type Two, where their own insulin can make up the difference, but for me, a Type One, the possibility of being three units off is a big deal. Yikes, even being off a half unit is a big deal for me. I won't even consider it until the dosage can be made more precise. JMO

David

My inhaler uses a minimum of 2 units and one unit increments after that. I find they are about half as strong as Novolog, so basically half units. Very precise in my experience (Novo inhaler).

[Tyler]

To the OP...

I'm on inhaled insulin, Novo AERx. I have nothing but good things to say about it other than the bulky size. Works extremely fast (faster than Novolog I feel), no irritation, and very accurate.

My first A1C including time on the pump was 6.1. My last was 5.8 and my best ever.

I can't ever seeing myself going back to the pump after experiencing this type of control without being hooked up. Yes it's a pain in the *** to carry around, but so are all of the cons of the pump. I can see myself using it in the future post-study if they make the device portable enough. If the size was smaller now, I'd give it a 10/10.

And for those wondering about lung function, I perform pulmonary function testing fairly frequently (I assume the other drug studies do as well). My performance has actually increased slightly on the 6-8 months or so I've been using the inhaler.

Feel free to ask any questions.

[Tattoo azz]

If using inhalable insulin works for you fine.I'm in the uk where 1 in 1000 diabetics are on the pump (1 in 8 in the US), so even less diabetics will be offered the inhaler.
I've been laughing at the argument between Jedi and designdb
it's like two little boys arguing over whether rugby is better than football lol

[Funnygrl]

it's like two little boys arguing over whether rugby is better than football lol

Yeah, which is pretty stupid seeing an everyone knows softball is better anyways.

[msrkBen]

If using inhalable insulin works for you fine.I'm in the uk where 1 in 1000 diabetics are on the pump (1 in 8 in the US), so even less diabetics will be offered the inhaler.
I've been laughing at the argument between Jedi and designdb
it's like two little boys arguing over whether rugby is better than football lol


I don't get your point on the statistics of the UK and the US using the pump, because it doesn't work for everybody. I also don't understand why JediSkipdogg is having such a problem with a new product being on the market, when he doesn't know the product due to the fact it's brand new. The reason I say this is because I've read another inhaler post, and he's all over it.

After reading this it's not really funny but stupid that these two are arguing about this new project that could help a lot of diabetics.

But I also think that JediSkipdogg is way off base and for some reason thinks the pump is the best product ever in the history of diabetes, well it’s not. Designdb was right when it was said, “what’s the difference between having the pump clipped to your pants with a hose running from your stomach and using the inhaler container.

I feel there’s a pump cult here that believes, as I said, the pump is the best product, and I do not understand why because I’m getting great results with the inhaler and my A1C is 5.2, I love It, and only one shot a day (Lantus)

My skin is healing from taking shots since 1981 and I’m not sore and I feel great. Give me the inhaler any day over a pump with a hose hanging from my stomach that’s producing scar tissue and not absorbing insulin like it used too. After injecting insulin over a certain period of time, it’s been proven it doesn’t work like it should and that’s the facts people.

[Dewey]

And for those wondering about lung function, I perform pulmonary function testing fairly frequently (I assume the other drug studies do as well). My performance has actually increased slightly on the 6-8 months or so I've been using the inhaler.

Feel free to ask any questions.
Hi Tyler,

I've found your post to be quite interesting, and since participating in the poll that BriOnH started, I'm even more interested...

I spoke with the gentleman from Exubera exhibit at the Expo I recently attended, and he commented that some users in the study noted decreased pulmonary/lung function over time. They stopped using Exubera, and pulmonary functions came back up to normal.

I was curious on your pulmonary function. Is there anything else (other factors) that had changed while on the inhaled insulin, or anything you'd done differently in addition to taking it? Thanks so much for your input. I look forward to hearing more.

[JediSkipdogg]

I'm not all pro pump and do think that for some people other options work better. My problem is with the current inhaler that the dosing isn't as precise and one can't get a superb results that way. I think the key is what level of insulin resistance does a person have.

Like I mentioned before, the smallest dose on the inhaler is 1 mg which is comparable to 3 units of insulin (2.3 units in a private research study.) To the average person that is a huge disadvantage. For someone like me that would mean that I would have to be running above 150 before even considering to correct. And trust me, I run above 150 alot especially after exercise. I like to run normal before exercising and grab something to eat to counteract the power of the exercise. Well, if I don't do the exact same workout as the day before with the same food, I may run high or low. Temperature while running also plays a huge part. Therefore I may run slightly higher than I want to be. On a shot or the pump one can easily correct that slight high. On the current insulin inhaler, one can't unless they correct and eat with it. Tell me how to give 7 units of insulin? How bout 5 units which is my typical amount for a meal.

The pump may always be connected, but it can easily be hidden. The inhaler can not. If you go to a fancy restaurant (I'm talking where a dinner is like $30 a head) first of all carrying the inhaler inside is not easy. Then using it just looks totally out of place. What if you go to an amusement park. How is that convenient to carry around with you all day? Both the pump and the shot are pretty easily to just stick in a pocket and you'll never know it's there.

Again, I'm not totally agaist the product. I just don't think it's as precise currently. Novo Nordisk is making an inhaler at this time that is equal in precision to an insulin shot which is what the majority of diabetics need. I'm all for that. As for the size of it, I think that's and end user item if that affects them or not, but it is definitely not small.

[JasonJayhawk]

If you go to a fancy restaurant (I'm talking where a dinner is like $30 a head) first of all carrying the inhaler inside is not easy. Then using it just looks totally out of place.

My fear is somebody going into McDonalds, ordering a few McHeartattacks, then sucking on their insulin inhaler because they're too afraid to test their glucose... and then getting back in their honkin' SUV and hopping on the highway...with me on it!

[Tyler]

Hi Tyler,

I was curious on your pulmonary function. Is there anything else (other factors) that had changed while on the inhaled insulin, or anything you'd done differently in addition to taking it? Thanks so much for your input. I look forward to hearing more.

I might be slightly more aerobically fit, and I've lost a bit of weight, but that's it. I think the combo of the above plus deep breathing 3-4 times a day is what has done it.

As long as I'm not losing function, I'm happy!

I'm not all pro pump and do think that for some people other options work better. My problem is with the current inhaler that the dosing isn't as precise and one can't get a superb results that way. I think the key is what level of insulin resistance does a person have.

Like I mentioned before, the smallest dose on the inhaler is 1 mg which is comparable to 3 units of insulin (2.3 units in a private research study.) To the average person that is a huge disadvantage. For someone like me that would mean that I would have to be running above 150 before even considering to correct. And trust me, I run above 150 alot especially after exercise. I like to run normal before exercising and grab something to eat to counteract the power of the exercise. Well, if I don't do the exact same workout as the day before with the same food, I may run high or low. Temperature while running also plays a huge part. Therefore I may run slightly higher than I want to be. On a shot or the pump one can easily correct that slight high. On the current insulin inhaler, one can't unless they correct and eat with it. Tell me how to give 7 units of insulin? How bout 5 units which is my typical amount for a meal.

The pump may always be connected, but it can easily be hidden. The inhaler can not. If you go to a fancy restaurant (I'm talking where a dinner is like $30 a head) first of all carrying the inhaler inside is not easy. Then using it just looks totally out of place. What if you go to an amusement park. How is that convenient to carry around with you all day? Both the pump and the shot are pretty easily to just stick in a pocket and you'll never know it's there.

Again, I'm not totally agaist the product. I just don't think it's as precise currently. Novo Nordisk is making an inhaler at this time that is equal in precision to an insulin shot which is what the majority of diabetics need. I'm all for that. As for the size of it, I think that's and end user item if that affects them or not, but it is definitely not small.

You mention it at the end but the inhaler I'm using is very precise.

Why does it have to be an either/or thing? Why can't you use shots part time, especially for the examples you provided above?

[Funnygrl]

Why does it have to be an either/or thing? Why can't you use shots part time, especially for the examples you provided above?

Good point. I never thought of that. But one thing that I could for see as a problem would be getting insurance to pay for syringes, plus inhalers, plus inhaled insulin, plus injected insulin, etc.

[msrkBen]

I might be slightly more aerobically fit, and I've lost a bit of weight, but that's it. I think the combo of the above plus deep breathing 3-4 times a day is what has done it.

As long as I'm not losing function, I'm happy!



I agree Tyler. I found if I go up to 140 after eating and using the inhaler, if I take a few deep breaths, it will go down to the 120's in no time. This isn't everyday but I have done this numerous times. Also if I run in place it will go down also really quick. But I have exercised without a huge decrease in in my blood sugars.

[Funnygrl]

I don't understand why people are getting all upset that people are not agreeing with the use of inhaled insulin, then proceed to say the pump "doesn't work." Many people find that the pump has changed their life. I understand one solution doesn't fit all, but why can't we not try and knock anyone's treatment, be it pump or inhaler. If it works, why knock it?

That being said, the pump has caught on already- the inhaler needs a chance to catch on before it will be more readily accepted by the masses.

I appreciate those of you using the inhaler sharing your experiences with us- I'm sure it will help people with their decisions about treatment.

[msrkBen]

Good point. I never thought of that. But one thing that I could for see as a problem would be getting insurance to pay for syringes, plus inhalers, plus inhaled insulin, plus injected insulin, etc.

I'm not having a problem with insurance. I'm using Exubera, Lantus, syringes, test strips, and pens (just in case I have a cold and the inhaler isn't working.)

I believe from the first of this post, there was a lot of making stuff up and assuming things, so an argument starts and nothing gets accomplished.

There are a lot of complaints about a product that many of you know nothing about because it's new but you still have an opinion.

Next somebody will be complaining because you have to clean the inhaler once a week. I can hear it now. "Oh my I don't want the inhaler because you have to clean it, and I can't handle cleaning something that's actually helping me." :confused:

I keep hearing the size of the inhaler and eating at fancy restaurants, and so on but it seems to me these people are ashamed of the disease. It's like they would rather die then take care of themselves. I ate at a restaurant, $40 a person, last week and didn't have any regrets in pulling out my inhaler. It took a few seconds and I was done.

It really surprises me that the complaints are so minor but you guys make it out to be so big. :confused:

[msrkBen]

I don't understand why people are getting all upset that people are not agreeing with the use of inhaled insulin, then proceed to say the pump "doesn't work." Many people find that the pump has changed their life. I understand one solution doesn't fit all, but why can't we not try and knock anyone's treatment, be it pump or inhaler. If it works, why knock it?

That being said, the pump has caught on already- the inhaler needs a chance to catch on before it will be more readily accepted by the masses.

I appreciate those of you using the inhaler sharing your experiences with us- I'm sure it will help people with their decisions about treatment.

It's not that you have an opinion but making things bigger than what they really are. If you don't know the product why are you even making these assumptions? :confused:

If I haven't used the pump, I wouldn't make a big deal about it. But since I have used it and had more problems than getting shots, then I have my right to say something about it. The pump has a lot of problems when I was using it and maybe they have fixed those but I know they haven't fixed the scare tissue problem and other things you can't fix.

[Funnygrl]

I'm not having a problem with insurance. I'm using Exubera, Lantus, syringes, test strips, and pens (just in case I have a cold and the inhaler isn't working.)


I'm glad you haven't had a problem. Quite honestly, at this point, the fact that you have coverage for inhaled insulin at all means your insurance is pretty good about coverage.

[msrkBen]

I'm glad you haven't had a problem. Quite honestly, at this point, the fact that you have coverage for inhaled insulin at all means your insurance is pretty good about coverage.

Actually my insurance sucks. My doctor stood up and said I need the inhaler because it was working well for me. My doctor was able to get samples and the numbers proved it was working - if you have proof and your doctor cares then you're on your way.

I love this - my friend: "Didn't they know you're not a druggie, just diabetic?"

LOL

[Funnygrl]

Lol, thanks! She was referring to a situation where I couldn't get the pharmacist to sell me more than 10 syringes, and then when I got home, I found a brochure on drug addiction help lines in the bag with the syringes.

[msrkBen]

Lol, thanks! She was referring to a situation where I couldn't get the pharmacist to sell me more than 10 syringes, and then when I got home, I found a brochure on drug addiction help lines in the bag with the syringes.

You got to be joking me? Man I don't know what to say about that one. If he was thinking that way then why did he even sell you 10. LOL

[Funnygrl]

I think it might be a NYS law that they can sell you 10, but have to give you the info. Who knows. I threw it out.

[msrkBen]

LOL that's funny. Next time go in there with bloodshot eyes.

[Funnygrl]

LOL that's funny. Next time go in there with bloodshot eyes.
LOL! Unfortunately, I haven't boughten syringes in a year now.