Ep 88: Inhaled Insulin (Afrezza): Dosing, Timing & The Power of Inhaled Insulin
In this episode you will explore:
- The Dosing Fix: Why you often need a higher Afrezza dosage compared to subcutaneous insulin.
- Speed & Kinetics: How inhaled insulin mimics the body’s natural beta cells to clear glucose fast.
- Lifestyle Benefits: Managing “sticky highs,” exercise without crashing, and dietary freedom.
- Safety & Screening: Spirometry requirements and who should (and shouldn’t) use Afrezza.
- Pediatric Updates: The latest on clinical trials and potential approval for children.
- Whether you are managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, this episode provides the practical “tips and tricks” you need to determine if Afrezza is the missing tool in your diabetes management kit
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
Get a practical breakdown of Afrezza, the ultra-rapid inhaled insulin, with this comprehensive guide to efficacy, timing, and real-world application. Join Drs. Jeremy Pettus and Steve Edelman—endocrinologists living with Type 1 diabetes—as they reveal why this unique tool is often misunderstood and how to use it effectively to flatten post-meal spikes.
In this episode, we move beyond the basics to correct the biggest mistake users make regarding Afrezza dosage. If you’ve tried this therapy before and felt it “didn’t work,” the issue often lies in the conversion ratio. We review data from Afrezza MannKind studies (such as INHALE-3) to explain the shift from the old 1:1 ratio to the more effective 1:3 ratio. We also cover why this “rapid-on, rapid-off” insulin is the ultimate solution for exercise and how to navigate insurance coverage and prior authorizations.
Thanks for this video. Waiting for my first prescription and learned more here. Does it have to be kept cold, like insulin?
Just keep the Afrezza you are not using in the fridge and the packets you plan on using at room temperature. It is for sure more durable than liquid insulin. Congrats on getting it.
I have been using Afrezza for over seven years and I learned some new ideas as I watched your podcast. My experience has been very positive and I think Affrezza has very much helped me lower my Ha1c. I think that your dosing ratios are low for me, my guess is that my personal ratio is more like 4 to 1. I also think that we should be able to sell those extra inhalers back to Mankind to help lower the cost of Affrezza. I hope you are at least smiling!
Rob Coe
Rockport Texas
Yes…smiling indeed! Glad you get educated from TCOYD, and Jeremy and I learn from all of you as well.
What is the minimum amount one can take?
A 4-unit cartridge, which is kind of similar to 2 units of injected insulin, but not quite the same. Afrezza is rapid on and rapid off.
I’ve been wanting to try Afrezza for years and will talk with my endocrinologist at my next appointment. Don’t think it will be covered under my insurance though.
Keep pushing, and there is a $99 cost payment. Depending on your usage, it may last you a long time.
I first used Afrezza when it was approved and was very impressed with how it worked, but struggled with coughing for hours after using. I still used it on and off as it was so effective, but gradually less, but still had it in my fridge. I have started using it again after reading comments to stop the coughing. Drinking water before and after helped a bit, but inhaling like a regular breath inhale worked the best, I used to inhale too quickly. I am currently using it without the cough and the ones I am using expired in 2022. I have used them after being in my purse for a couple of weeks and they still work great, lowering highs that won’t go down. I use Omnipod 5 and have never had any lows from using Afrezza, an amazing tool.
Thanks so much for your comments. I sometimes cough, and inhaling too quickly made me cough as well. Jeremy really relies on Afrezza and does take an inhalation of an asthma inhaler just before, which takes care of it completely. Something like an Albuterol inhaler.
Not really sure if its for me. I have type 2 diabetes. & only take Lantus overnight insulin injections.
I would prefer not having to stick myself daily. Will inquire from my doctor.Thanks for your info!