
June 14, 2001
Blood Tests and Insulin Injections, Insulin Pumps
Question from Dubai:
I would like to get some information about the latest and most modern insulin delivery systems.
Answer:
There are several new ways to possibly deliver insulin, but most are experimental. Inhaled insulin looks very promising and should be available in about two years. It will probably need to be given with one of the new longer-acting insulins. Insulin pumps are becoming much more common, and now there are three brands available. In the near future, we hope there will be a closed loop system which will measure blood glucose and automatically give the correct amount of insulin. Finally, islet cell transplants are being done experimentally at some centers for those over the age of 18.
There will probably be more information on all of these fronts after the American Diabetes Association meetings this month, so stay tuned.
LSF