REAL TALK
Is Inhaled Insulin Right for You? What Women Want to Know
Explore what women like you are asking about inhaled insulin, what you should know, and how you can confidently navigate this conversation with your care team.
DiabetesSisters Member
“After 20 years of injections, inhaled insulin feels refreshingly different, fast, flexible, and easier to live with.”
Expert Articles About Inhaled Insulin
Learn about how inhaled insulin works, what makes it different from injections, and hear real stories from women using it—so you feel informed and supported.
HEAR FROM EXPERTS
Watch These Educational Videos
Hear from leading diabetes experts as they explain what inhaled insulin is, how it works, the benefits it can offer, and real-life considerations to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Why Inhaled Insulin Works Faster
Dr. Diana Isaacs explains how inhaled insulin mimics the way a healthy pancreas works—starting quickly, peaking with meals, and wearing off sooner than injections—so women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can manage blood sugars more smoothly and with less stress.
How to Use Inhaled Insulin: A Quick Guide
Dr. Diana Isaacs walks through exactly how to use inhaled insulin—from loading cartridges to taking a dose—and why many women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes find it a simpler, more convenient alternative to injections.
Is Inhaled Insulin the Right Option for You?
Managing diabetes isn’t easy. Dr. Diana Isaacs shares how inhaled insulin can help women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes cut down on injections, manage blood sugars with ease, and feel more confident in everyday life.
Real World Benefits of Inhaled Insulin
Experts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, CDCES, and Natalie Bellini, DNP, FNP-BC, share how inhaled insulin can fit into daily life—from busy workdays to social settings—while offering flexibility beyond injections and pumps. Learn who may benefit, how it’s used, and why it’s an important option for women managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Downloadable Resources
These easy-to-use guides explain how inhaled insulin works for patients and providers.
Real Questions, Real Answers
What is inhaled insulin?
Inhaled insulin is a rapid-acting form of insulin that is taken through the lungs using a small handheld device rather than an injection. It helps manage blood glucose levels after meals.
How does inhaled insulin work?
When you inhale insulin powder, it quickly enters your bloodstream through the lungs. It starts lowering blood glucose within about 12–15 minutes, peaks around 30–60 minutes, and is out of the system within 2–3 hours.
Who can use inhaled insulin?
Adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes may be prescribed inhaled insulin. It is not recommended for children, people who smoke, or those with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD.
Is inhaled insulin available now?
Yes. In the U.S., the only FDA-approved inhaled insulin is Afrezza®, made by MannKind. It is available by prescription. Access may vary in other countries.
Why is peer support important when starting inhaled insulin?
Starting a new diabetes treatment, like inhaled insulin, can feel exciting but also overwhelming. Peer support provides a safe space to share experiences, ask practical questions, and learn from others who’ve already tried it. Women in our DiabetesSisters community often tell us that hearing real stories—from adjusting to the device, to discussing costs and insurance, to managing emotions—helped them feel less alone and more confident in their decisions.
Is inhaled insulin safe?
For most adults without lung conditions, inhaled insulin is safe when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider. People using it need regular lung function testing before and during treatment.
How does inhaled insulin compare to injections?
Inhaled insulin is rapid-acting only—so it replaces mealtime (bolus) insulin, not long-acting (basal) insulin. Many people with type 1 still need long-acting insulin injections, while some with type 2 may use inhaled insulin alone or with other medications.
How much does inhaled insulin cost?
Costs vary based on insurance coverage, but Afrezza® is generally more expensive than injectable insulin. Some insurance plans, including Medicare, cover it. Patients may need to check with their provider and plan for exact pricing.
Where can I learn more about whether inhaled insulin is right for me?
Talk with your healthcare provider to see if inhaled insulin fits your lifestyle, medical history, and diabetes management plan. You can also learn more about our Inhaled Insulin Hub.
Program In Partnership With Mannkind
