BBC reports about a revolution in the making for millions of diabetic sufferers (for now for type II diabetic patients):
The device, which would fit into a handbag, contains a blister pack of insulin in the form of dry powder.
To release the powder, the user presses a button and inhales the powder.
Anthony Barnett, professor of medicine at the University of Birmingham, who has been involved in the insulin inhaler research, said the device – which delivers short-acting insulin – could cut the number of injections people with Type 1 diabetes need to just one or two.
The researchers have also looked at people with Type 2 diabetes, which usually develops in adulthood and can often be controlled with diet and medicines.
They said inhaled insulin appeared to give better blood glucose control than taking tablets.
Inhaled insulin is not currently licensed for use, but licence applications have been made to the European Medicines Evaluation Agency.