Recent challenges in insulin delivery systems: A review

Abstract

Relatively, a large percentage of world population is affected by diabetes mellitus, out of which approximately 5-10% with type 1 diabetes while the remaining 90% with type 2. Insulin administration is essential for type 1 patients while it is required at later stage by the patients of type 2. Current insulin delivery systems are available as transdermal injections which may be considered as invasive. Several non-invasive approaches for insulin delivery are being pursued by pharmaceutical companies to reduce the pain, and hypoglycemic incidences associated with injections in order to improve patient compliance. While any new insulin delivery system requires health authorities' approval, to provide long term safety profile and insuring patients' acceptance. The inhalation delivery system Exubera® has already become clinically available in the United States and Europe for patients with diabetes as non-invasive delivery system.

Advancements in Dry Powder Inhaler

“…The insulin delivery systems that are being used currently by patients are considered as invasive and noncompliant. In order overcome these issues, companies are developing approaches to delivery insulin by routes which are noninvasive, reduce the pain and patient compliance [30]. Delivery of insulin through pulmonary route, i.e., by oral inhalation has become an alternative to the conventional subcutaneous injection for the management of diabetes as lungs provide a large surface area and large blood supply.…”

“…Delivery of insulin through pulmonary route, i.e., by oral inhalation has become an alternative to the conventional subcutaneous injection for the management of diabetes as lungs provide a large surface area and large blood supply. Inhaled insulin was first investigated by Gänsslen in 1925 by using a nebulizer system, the effect on blood glucose was noted bioavailability was low and limitations of the device made the route impractical [30,31].…”

“…These unit doses are equivalent to 3 units and 8 units of subcutaneously delivered short-acting insulin, respectively, and are delivered by a mechanical inhaler which depends on patient's inspiratory flow rate. Pfizer withdrew Exubera® from the market due to poor sales and acceptance in October 2007 [30,31].…”

System Engineering Approach of Diabetes Treatment

“…Several insulin pumps are available on the global market [22][23][24] with different solutions. The basic concept is an ' All-in-One' type device, where the hardware, mechanical and software subparts are integrated into one device [25].…”

In vitro characteristics of an insulin suppository developed using palm oil base (HAMIN®) and its hypoglycaemic effect on rabbits

“…Reduced endogenous insulin is commonly supplemented with isolated or recombinant insulin sources via subcutaneous or intravenous injections (Al-Tabakha & Arida 2008). Although these delivery routes provide the best bioavailability, the need for continuous administration of the hormone is a problem because of the pain and anxiety that attend the use of hypodermic needles.…”