FRIDAY, July 5, 2002 (HealthDayNews) -- Inhaled insulin may soon offer an alternative to needles for people with diabetes, says a company developing the product.
Novo Nordisk, a Denmark-based company, has ongoing clinical trials to test the safety and effectiveness of an electronic pulmonary insulin system. They say it may be available in the United States and Europe within a few years.
This is the first electronic pulmonary insulin system currently being tested in clinical trials. It works by converting a special liquid insulin into aerosol particles, which are inhaled into the lungs.
An update on the system was presented recently at the 62nd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
The ADA says that of the more than 17 million Americans with diabetes, about 3.7 million have to take up to five insulin shots each day to control their disease.
More information
The American Diabetes Association has more on inhaled insulin.
