Sarah Howard
Sarah Howard (nee Tackett) has dedicated her career to supporting the T1D community ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Marketing Manager at T1D Exchange.
Sarah and her husband live in NYC with their cat Gracie. In her spare time, she enjoys doing comedy, taking dance classes, visiting art museums, and exploring different neighborhoods in NYC.
I have used it a few times, but since I only use it when my sugar is very high (300+), I very rarely use it. It tends to drop my sugar too low so I really don’t like to use it. Even when my sugar has reached over 300 (like when my infusion set accidentally got dislodged), my sugar drops too low when using the afrezza so I have to consume some carbs to not go too low.
I just posted a comment where I thought this might be useful for a stubborn high or a failed sight. But, I haven’t used it myself. Good to know that going too low is a possibility!
I have used inhaled insulin while participating in a study.
No, and with using the pump I’d be worried about stacking insulin if I did both. But, I think it could be useful to use like a rescue inhaler for a stubborn high to help bring it down quicker, for situations like failed sites or miss calculated carbs.
I tried inhalable insulin in a clinical trial. Once it was approved, I fought with my insurance company to cover it. I have been using Afrezza for several years now. My A1C went from 7.9 to 6.4 in the first three months. As long as I have been using Afrezza, I have never had an A1C above 6.9, which is amazing for a brittle diabetic.
I di not fit criteria for it have very mild asthmas, and rhinnorhea. dont think i need to try it happy with pump and sensor.
It’s a game changer for treating a high. They need to work on the harshness of the delivery. Anything over 12 units is brutal.
I primarily use it for high BGs as well—so fast, easier then an IM injection.
There’s nothing higher than 12u cartridge to inhale. You can take multiple doses if needed.
I was offered a trial, but turned it down when I learned that the smallest increment was 2 units.
After more consideration, I think it might be useful for combating highs. Room what i read here, I would probably need less than what is typically needed for a high. However, I am still reluctant to add yet another insulin type to my collection of meds.
I’d love to try it to deal with highs quickly, but it’s very expensive and not covered by any Medicare supplemental drug plan as far as I know. I wonder if the $35 monthly limit on insulin costs starting in 2023 will change that.
I LOVE inhaled insulin. I resisted trying it for years but it is a game-changer! There are so many misconceptions about how it works.
Read more about my experience here on T1D Exchange: https://t1dexchange.org/my-a1c-dropped-from-6-1-to-5-7-using-inhaled-insulin-gingers-story/
I have never used it but am interested in keeping it on hand for extreme highs, which seem to happen to me with pump cannula occlusions now and then. However, when I broached it with my endo, he said he wasn’t comfortable prescribing it, even for occasional use. 🤷♀️
No, the initial release and the cancer numbers make me super hesitant to use it.
What is your claim based on? Please site your source so we can fact check. Been using it for 4yrs straight. Seen no reports on what you’re saying.
I tried, but was refused due to asthma. I was interested in using it to correct for high bg’s.
I was in a test program using Inhaled Insulin and the test turned out to be a failure. The inhaled insulin only came in fixed dosage; however, it never covered my Bolous requirements. Only pumpers were used so as our Basels were fixed in place.
You CANNOT match the onset, peak, and IOB time with any other insulin. Injectable isn’t for everyone, but almost everyone is on it. There is another option.
I LIVE IT & LOVE IT!
I haven’t used it, and it sounds like I can’t. An adjustment bolus for me, even at 300, is quite a bit less than 2 units. Also, my bolus for a snack is less than 2 units.
Tried a sample wasn’t for me
I use it as my only short-acting insulin. Due to scar tissue, inhaled has worked so much better than injections/pump. My A1c has been 6.1 since being on Afrezza for a few years now.
No. My endocrinologist wanted me to take part in the trail’s before its was FDA approved but I couldn’t pass the Lung Function Test to be included.
I was involved in a test of inhaled insulin. Did not receive the results expected and was somewhat uncomfortable.
Overall I am pleased with inhaled insulin. Sometimes it doesn’t seem effective requiring another dose but overall works faster and falls off faster than injected insulin
It would be great if there was more information on inhaled insulin.
I want to try inhaled insulin!
I use it for highs, usually because of pump failure’s, but not that often as I’m doing well on Omnipod 5. It does work very quick which is great, but unfortunately makes me cough which is annoying.
I have used Afrezza and loved it. I stopped when I went on Medicare two years ago because I did not want to struggle with getting the help I needed with the cost. It worked great because at the time I was having absorption problems due to almost 60 years type 1. I am back on pump now and hoping that if absorption problems happen again I will be able to go back on Afrezza and have Medicare help with the cost. It will be the only way to not have high sugars if liquid insulin cannot be absorbed!
My endorsement gave me samples to try with his determination that size 4=2 actual, 6=3, and 12=6. Have tried them and found them very helpful bringing down highs rapidly. Looked into insurance coverage, ha, not covered. Would cost approx $40,000 for 3 month supply of lowest dose, or $155 THOUSAND yearly!!!! Thanks but no thanks, will be happy with my pump and Humalog! Crazy
Hi Tom! This is NOT the cost of Afrezza with or without insurance. They have an awesome patient assistance program for anyone who can’t get insurance coverage. (Most insurance companies will say they don’t cover it — your doctor just has to appeal.) Here are two articles to learn more about getting/paying for Afrezza:
https://beyondtype1.org/getting-inhaled-insulin/
I have asthma so don’t qualify. I’d love to give it a try though.
I’ve never used it. I very well understand the problems with occlusions and stubborn highs. They’re real nuisances. I inject 1 or two units of Humalog to remedy the problem. But like everything with diabetes it’s always a gambling. You never know exactly how many units are going to do the trick and concern over having to fight a rapid low is always another problem.
Yes, been using for almost two years. Injected humalog is still my primary, but Afrezza is great for “I want/need to eat NOW” situations, and for those stubborn highs. Am soon to go on Medicare, so hope one of the supplements will cover it. Occasional slight cough, but passed the breathing test with flying colors.
No, unfortunately inhaled insulin is not available in Canada,
I’ve already gotten the product and a few of the inhalers but have been unable to schedule education (how to use it). If someone could point me in correct direction (or better tell me who to contact local to get help from company rep) would greatly appreciate