Navigating Beyond Needles: The Inhaled Insulin Revolution and Its Impact on the Future of Insulin Therapy

The selection of insulin administration methods is crucial for achieving ideal glycemic control in the dynamic arena of managing diabetes. This review article explores the complex landscape of insulin delivery techniques with an emphasis on inhaled insulin and subcutaneous injections, two widely used treatment modalities for diabetes. The best insulin administration technique is determined by a number of factors, including the type of diabetes being treated, patient preferences, and lifestyle factors. We provide a thorough investigation of a range of insulin administration methods, including conventional subcutaneous injections and the most recent developments in insulin administration systems including pens, pumps, and smart insulin devices. Our attention is now more narrowly focused on the cutting-edge field of insulin inhalers, which can deliver fast-acting insulin and prevent post-meal glucose increases. These inhalers provide a non-invasive, needle-free alternative that is especially appealing to people who have needle phobia and may significantly improve patient's quality of life. The pharmacokinetics of both subcutaneous injections and inhaled insulin are thoroughly examined in this work. We explain the benefits and drawbacks of each methodology and examine how it affects patients from a range of patient demographics, including children, seniors, and those who are obese. Designing the most optimal insulin administration plan for each distinct patient subgroup is our objective.