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Researchers at Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, a part of Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s, were involved with Afrezza studies that have led to a safe and effective Type 1 diabetes treatment option for children, and they continue exploring its role in exercise and diabetes management.

For thousands of children with Type 1 diabetes, controlling the rapid blood sugar spikes caused by meals can be very difficult. Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute was part of clinical trials that have changed the solutions for some patients. This work means Afrezza inhaled insulin is now available for ages 6 and up. It had previously been available only for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

“The study we participated in as part of the INHALE-1 trial showed that inhaled insulin can be used safely and effectively in children,” said Kupper A. Wintergerst, M.D., pediatric endocrinologist, Norton Children’s Endocrinology, Wendy L. Novak chair of pediatric diabetes care and clinical research and executive director of Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute. “This new option, which works faster than any other form of insulin, is an exciting new treatment option to help manage blood sugar levels, especially for families of children who struggle with injections.”

Researchers at Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute are now part of a study that is being done to find out if inhaled insulin given for a meal is safer and better to use than a bolus of insulin through a pump when a person exercises following a meal.
“Diabetes treatment continues to evolve, and we’re excited to be part of it,” Dr. Wintergerst said. “We want everyone with any type of diabetes to be able to stay healthy and live life to the fullest.”