Inhaled Insulin for Kids: Safe & Effective?
- Inhaled insulin could soon provide a new option for children and adolescents managing Type 1 diabetes.
- Michael Haller of the University of Florida presented the findings at the american Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions.
- The study compared technosphere insulin, also known as Afrezza, to rapid-acting analog insulin.
New research indicates that inhaled insulin, a potential option for children managing Type 1 diabetes, is both safe and effective. The latest findings from the INHALE-1 trial suggest technosphere insulin, also known as Afrezza, offers improved control and a greater sense of ownership over their health for young patients using it. The Food and Drug Management (FDA) may expand its approval for inhaled insulin. This shift could offer newly diagnosed children a more manageable approach to their diabetes from the start. This news comes from News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for inhaled insulin’s role in pediatric diabetes care.
Inhaled Insulin Safe, effective for Children With Diabetes, Study Suggests
Updated June 23, 2025
Inhaled insulin could soon provide a new option for children and adolescents managing Type 1 diabetes. Data from the INHALE-1 trial suggests technosphere insulin, while already known for its glycemic control, also gives young patients a greater sense of control over their health.
Dr. Michael Haller of the University of Florida presented the findings at the american Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions. The data may be strong enough for the Food and Drug Governance to consider an expanded indication for the drug.
The study compared technosphere insulin, also known as Afrezza, to rapid-acting analog insulin. While a higher percentage of participants using technosphere insulin reported at least one adverse event (75% vs. 66%), severe hypoglycemia occurred in only two patients in the technosphere group and one in the analog group. No diabetic ketoacidosis was reported among those receiving technosphere insulin, compared to one event in the rapid-acting analog group. Hypoglycemia rates were similar between the groups.
Coughing during inhalation was reported by 17% of the technosphere insulin group, but Haller noted the cough was typically mild, consistent with adult trials. The study also found no notable difference in lung function between the two groups, indicating that technosphere insulin did not negatively affect pulmonary function in children.
“People shouldn’t have concerns with the safety of the drug,” Haller said. “Afrezza was remarkably safe to use in children with diabetes.”
Haller believes technosphere insulin could be especially beneficial for newly diagnosed children. The ability to manage most of their diabetes with an inhaled product, alongside a single daily injection, could ease the transition into a lifelong diagnosis. He added that inhaled insulin could be used with automated insulin delivery systems or as a standalone option for those who prefer to avoid diabetes technology.
“It’s not always about glycemic outcomes, though inhaled insulin performs well in that regard; it’s also about giving people a sense of ownership over their disease and choice in how to manage it,” Haller said.
What’s next
If the FDA approves the expanded indication, Haller envisions opportunities to offer inhaled insulin to newly diagnosed children, providing them with a more manageable approach to their condition from the outset.