Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of inhaled insulin, Afrezza, for children 6 years and older with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who require insulin. This new treatment, which has been shown to be as effective as injected insulin in a clinical trial, represents a needle-free option for the management of pediatric diabetes.

In this regard, ABC News recounted the experience of Taisie Seigrist, a 15-year-old athlete from Oklahoma, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10. Her mother, Jennifer Seigrist, said that the diagnosis was a drastic change in the life of the young woman, who had to adapt to a regimen of injected insulin, facing constant bruising and pain.

“[She] spent a week in the hospital monitoring her blood sugar levels and learning everything we could in one week, and… it's been a roller coaster,” Jennifer confessed.

“I was constantly bruising, and it hurt a lot,” said Taisie, who is one of the 364,000 children and adolescents living with diabetes in the country, according to figures from the American Diabetes Association.

Taisie and her mother have reported positive changes in their diabetes management since they started using inhaled insulin. Although it involves significant cost, its effectiveness and ease of use have improved Taisie's quality of life, allowing her greater independence and participation in daily activities.

Medical considerations and recommendations

Dr. Jamie Wood, involved in the development of the clinical trial, highlights that inhaled insulin offers alternatives to families in the treatment of diabetes.

However, side effects and necessary precautions for use, such as avoiding smoking and vaping, should be taken into account. Those interested in this treatment should consult an endocrinologist to determine suitability.

It is noteworthy that Afrezza can cost more than $2,000 per month, as seen on the GoodRx platform. Although manufacturer MannKind claims that most people pay $35 or less per month thanks to Medicare limits or commercial insurance. Even for those who pay cash, they offer the drug for $99, a MannKind spokesperson told ABC News.

Side effects of inhaled insulin

The most specific and distinctive side effects of inhaled insulin are local respiratory problems, especially cough, which affects 15 to 27% of users and is much more common than with subcutaneous insulin.

Throat irritation or soreness and, in some cases, rash or difficulty breathing are also commonly reported after using the inhaler.

Inhaled insulin is not recommended for people who smoke, have asthma, or COPD due to the risk of lung problems. If you experience shortness of breath that worsens after using the inhaler, you should contact your doctor immediately.

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