Last week the FDA approved Afrezza, a rapid-acting inhaled insulin that is meant to be taken at the beginning of each meal. It is not a substitute for long-acting insulin:
FDA Approves Afrezza To Treat Diabetes, FDA Press Release, 27 June 2014
It was approved for use in type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is not recommended for people who smoke or who recently smoked, and comes with a Boxed Warning:
“Afrezza has a Boxed Warning advising that acute bronchospasm has been observed in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Afrezza should not be used in patients with chronic lung disease, such as asthma or COPD because of this risk.”
The FDA noted that:
“Afrezza provided less HbA1c reduction than insulin aspart [a fast-acting injected insulin], and the difference was statistically significant.”
It’s not available in pharmacies yet but according to the manufacturer will be soon. You can register on Afrezza’s site to be notified of availability.