What We Know About Afrezza for Young People with Type 1 Diabetes

Afrezza is an inhaled insulin that delivers a mealtime dose through the lungs rather than injection. For people managing type 1 diabetes, reducing the number of daily injections is an appealing idea—and that's one reason researchers are studying whether Afrezza could be a practical option, especially for children and teens.

Researchers are currently running two separate clinical trials. One study, called INHALE-1st, is examining Afrezza combined with a once-daily basal insulin injection in youth newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This phase 2 study involves 100 young people followed for 13 weeks, with the option to continue for up to 26 weeks.

A second study, also called INHALE-1, is a larger phase 3 randomized trial comparing Afrezza to traditional injectable rapid-acting insulins (like insulin aspart, lispro, or glulisine) in children and teens ages 4 to 18 with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This trial has completed its main 26-week treatment phase, with all participants continuing on Afrezza through week 52 to assess long-term safety and effectiveness.

Researchers are looking at several important factors. Blood sugar control is a primary focus—specifically, how much time participants spend in their target blood sugar range as measured by continuous glucose monitors. The studies are also gathering information about how safe Afrezza is when used regularly.

Beyond the medical numbers, researchers want to understand how young people and their families feel about using inhaled insulin. Questions about satisfaction with the regimen can reveal whether a treatment is practical and livable in real life.

Results from these trials have not yet been published. The INHALE-1st study is still in progress, so it will take time before we have data to review. While the larger INHALE-1 trial has moved into its extended phase, final outcomes are not yet available. Once the research is complete, the diabetes community will be able to see whether Afrezza offers meaningful benefits compared to current treatment options.

It's important to note that early-stage research like this explores possibilities; it does not yet prove that one treatment is better than another. That evidence comes only when studies are finished and results are carefully analyzed.

If you or a family member is living with type 1 diabetes, these studies represent ongoing work to expand treatment choices. However, Afrezza is not yet a standard option for newly diagnosed young people with type 1 diabetes, and these trials are specifically designed to test whether it should be. Any changes to your diabetes regimen should always be made with your healthcare team, based on your individual needs and current medical evidence.

Origin: T1D Pulse (Video report). Evidence: Video report, corroborated with 1 indexed study. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.