Managing Type 1 diabetes often means multiple daily insulin injections, especially before meals. For many people, this routine can be painful, inconvenient, and emotionally draining. But there’s exciting news on the horizon: Afrezza, the world’s only inhaled insulin, has received approval in India and will soon be marketed by Cipla.

This breakthrough could transform the way people with Type 1 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.

What is Afrezza?

Afrezza is a rapid-acting human insulin delivered through an inhaler, rather than an injection. It was developed by MannKind Corporation and approved by the US FDA in 2014. Since then, it has been used successfully in the United States and a few other countries. Now, for the first time, it is coming to India.

How Does Afrezza Work?

• Onset of Action: Afrezza starts working in about 12 minutes, much faster than most injectable rapid-acting insulins.
• Duration: Its effect lasts for about 2–3 hours, closely mimicking the body’s natural insulin release after meals.
• Administration: Instead of a needle, patients use a small inhaler device to take the insulin powder before meals.

Benefits of Afrezza for Type 1 Diabetes

1. Needle-Free Mealtime Insulin
   Eliminates the need for multiple injections before meals, improving comfort and adherence.
2. Better Post-Meal Glucose Control
   Its ultra-fast action helps reduce dangerous blood sugar spikes after eating.
3. Lower Risk of Late Hypoglycemia
   Because it leaves the system quickly, Afrezza reduces the chance of delayed low sugars that sometimes happen with longer-acting rapid insulins.
4. Improved Quality of Life
   Many people find inhaled insulin more convenient and discreet compared to injections.

Safety & Precautions

While Afrezza has many advantages, it’s not suitable for everyone.

• Not recommended for people with asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung diseases.
• Lung function testing (spirometry) is required before starting.
• It is used only as mealtime insulin. Basal (long-acting) insulin is still necessary in Type 1 diabetes management.
• Common side effects may include cough or throat irritation.

Clinical Evidence

A Phase 3 trial in India showed that adding Afrezza to oral anti-diabetic medications significantly improved HbA1c levels, demonstrating its effectiveness and safety. Internationally, Afrezza has been used for over a decade with proven results.

What This Means for People with Type 1 Diabetes in India

The launch of Afrezza is an important milestone. For those living with Type 1 diabetes, it means:

• More flexibility and freedom in diabetes management.
• Fewer needles and less pain in daily routines.
• Faster and more natural blood sugar control around meals.

Although it may take some time before Afrezza is widely available in India (expected by end of this year), it gives hope for better quality of life and advanced treatment options.

What About Children with Type 1 Diabetes?

One of the most common questions is whether Afrezza can be used for children and teenagers living with Type 1 diabetes.

👉 As of now, Afrezza is approved only for adults (18 years and above).
👉 This is because there isn’t enough long-term safety data on how inhaled insulin may affect the lungs of growing children.
👉 Clinical studies in the pediatric population are still limited, and regulators want stronger evidence before extending its use to younger age groups.

What This Means for Parents

• Children and teens with T1D will still need to use injectable insulins (both basal and bolus).
• Afrezza may become an option for them in the future once more research and safety data are available.
• For now, the best approach is to continue with the current treatment plan while keeping an eye on new updates in diabetes care.

💡 If your child has Type 1 diabetes, it’s important to discuss all new treatments with your endocrinologist before making any changes.

What This Means for People with Type 1 Diabetes in India

The launch of Afrezza is an important milestone. For those living with Type 1 diabetes, it means:

• More flexibility and freedom in diabetes management.
• Fewer needles and less pain in daily routines.
• Faster and more natural blood sugar control around meals.

Although it may take some time before Afrezza is widely available in India (expected by end of this year), it gives hope for better quality of life and advanced treatment options.

Final Thoughts

Afrezza is not a replacement for all types of insulin, but as a needle-free, ultra-fast mealtime option, it could make a big difference in the lives of people with Type 1 diabetes.

As with any new treatment, it’s essential to consult your endocrinologist before making changes. Once available, Afrezza may become a valuable addition to our diabetes care toolbox in India.

✍Dr. Ruchita Mehta
Homeopath | Nutritionist | Diabetes Educator
Helping people worldwide manage diabetes with holistic care

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Afrezza in India

1. What is Afrezza?
Afrezza is the world’s only inhaled rapid-acting insulin, taken through a small inhaler device instead of an injection. It is used to control blood sugar spikes at mealtime.

2. Is Afrezza approved in India?
Yes. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has approved Afrezza for use in India, and Cipla will market it soon.

3. Who can use Afrezza?
Currently, Afrezza is approved only for adults (18 years and above) with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Children and teenagers are not yet approved to use it.

4. Do I still need long-acting insulin if I use Afrezza?
Yes. Afrezza is only for mealtime (bolus) insulin. People with type 1 diabetes will still need basal (long-acting) insulin.

5. How fast does Afrezza work?
Afrezza begins working in about 12 minutes and lasts for 2–3 hours, closely mimicking the body’s natural insulin response to meals.

6. What are the advantages of Afrezza over injections?

• Needle-free mealtime insulin
• Ultra-fast action to reduce post-meal spikes
• May lower risk of late hypoglycemia
• More convenient and discreet to use

7. Is Afrezza safe for people with lung problems?
No. Afrezza is not recommended for people with asthma, COPD, or other chronic lung conditions. Lung function tests (spirometry) are required before starting treatment.

8. When will Afrezza be available in India?
Cipla is expected to launch Afrezza in India by the end of 2025, subject to commercial rollout timelines.

9. How much will Afrezza cost in India?
The exact price is not yet announced. In the U.S., Afrezza is more expensive than traditional insulins, so pricing in India may also be on the higher side initially.

10. Can Afrezza replace all my insulins?
No. Afrezza is only a rapid-acting insulin for mealtime use. It cannot replace basal (long-acting) insulin, which remains essential in type 1 diabetes management.