Is there another way of taking insulin other than injections?

I am afraid that there is currently no way to treat type 1 diabetes other than insulin injections, although this may be administered by intermittent injection or continuous infusion via a pump.

KJR
Additional comments from Dr. David Schwartz:

While Dr. Robertson is, of course, absolutely correct, there currently is no other way to receive insulin other than some type of injection, there have been other devices that have been promoted to give the injections without a needle, per se. These devices are cumbersome, expensive, and sometimes difficult to get service or even find them. They typically use a pressure loaded “spring” to “push/force” the insulin in under the skin without a “needle.”

One such device is the “Injex.”

Another device (that is marketed for the daily administration of growth hormone shots) has the trade name of “cool.click” manufactured by Serono. This device has been evaluated as a “needle-free” way of giving insulin injections at a summer camp for diabetic children. Note: Nevertheless, it has NOT been FDA approved for insulin injections.

There may be other devices also.

That said, insulin needles are the smallest, thinnest, sharpest, smoothest needles around – especially if you go “brand-name.” If you are really having “issues” with actual “needle injections”, it might be your technique. A session or two with a certified diabetes nurse educator might spot a technique that could help you.

As a disclaimer, I hold no interest in any “needle-free” device for insulin injections and have rarely (if ever) prescribed them. Insulin syringes or pen devices with needles are fast, cheap, and easy.

DS