DIABETES RESEARCHERS TESTING INHALED FORM OF INSULIN

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DIABETES RESEARCHERS TESTING INHALED FORM OF INSULIN
12 January 2000 - Washington University in St Louis

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are studying an investigational treatment for diabetes using insulin that is inhaled rather than injected. The researchers are testing inhaled insulin therapy in three groups of patients. One study will involve people with Type I, or insulin-dependent diabetes. A second study is recruiting patients with Type II, or adult-onset diabetes, who take insulin injections to control their blood glucose. A third study is for patients with Type II diabetes who are not yet taking insulin or any drugs to control their glucose levels.

Participants will be selected randomly to either remain on standard diabetes therapy or to switch to the investigational inhaled insulin. The study lasts six months. At the conclusion of that time period, patients on standard therapy will have the option to switch to inhaled insulin.

"The investigational insulin is in the form of a powder," explains Janet B. McGill, M.D., associate professor of medicine and a principal investigator in the studies. "Patients use a device that allows them to inhale the powder into their lungs, and the insulin then will pass from the lungs into the bloodstream."

Tiny air sacs line the lungs, and past research has shown that insulin can cross the fine membrane that separates those air sacs from blood vessels. McGill believes if reliable, consistent doses of insulin can move from the lungs into the bloodstream, inhaling insulin may be an improvement over insulin injections. Currently, insulin cannot be given in pill form because it cannot pass through the gut.

"Even if inhaled insulin works, this therapy will not replace all insulin injections," McGill said. "While it will allow patients to inhale this short-acting insulin before meals, they still will require an injection of a longer-acting insulin at bedtime."

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About: Washington University in St Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is a medium-sized, independent research university dedicated to challenging its faculty and students alike to seek new knowledge and greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world. The university is counted among the world's leaders in teaching and research and draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 90 other nations. With 6,509 undergraduates and 5,579 graduate and professional students, as well as 1,384 part-time students, Washington University offers more than 90 programs and nearly 1,500 courses in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary majors.

Founded in 1853 by St. Louisans, Washington University is highly regarded for its commitment to excellence in learning. Its programs, administration, facilities, resources, and activities combine to further its mission of teaching, research, and service to society.

Set amid a thriving metropolitan region of 2.6 million residents, the University benefits from the vast array of social, cultural, and recreational opportunities offered by the St. Louis area. Bordered on the east by St. Louis' famed Forest Park and on the north, west, and south by well-established suburbs, the 169-acre Hilltop Campus features predominantly Collegiate Gothic architecture, including a number of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

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