Clinical studies

Clinical research on needle-free injection shows benefits for glycemic control, particularly after meals and in certain profiles of diabetic patients.

The results explained

1.

Needle-free injection of rapid insulin improves early postprandial glycemic control in diabetic patients

Engwerda EE, Tack CJ, de Galan BE. Needle-free jet injection of rapid-acting insulin improves early postprandial glucose control in patients with diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2013;36(11):3436-3441. doi:10.2337/dc13-0492

This study compares rapid-acting insulin delivery by jet (needle-free) to conventional injection with a pen to determine whether this method improves post-meal blood sugar control in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Faster absorption of insulin

✔ Insulin administered by jet is absorbed more quickly than that injected with a pen.

✔ It reaches its peak action about 40 minutes earlier than with a pen.

✔ This means that insulin starts working faster, helping to better control postprandial blood sugar spikes.

Better blood sugar control in the first hour after a meal

✔ Patients using the needle-free injector had lower blood sugar levels during the first hour after eating.

✔ This suggests that this method may reduce sudden spikes in blood sugar immediately after eating.

✔ However, after the first hour, blood glucose levels were similar between the two methods.

No difference in long-term glycemic control

✔ The total amount of insulin absorbed was the same for both methods.

✔ There was no significant difference in overall blood glucose after six hours.

✔ The study suggests that jet injection is particularly beneficial for people who have difficulty managing postprandial surges.

Safety and comfort

✔ No major side effects have been observed with the needle-free injector.

✔ Both methods were well tolerated, with similar pain levels.

✔ However, more participants preferred the traditional pen.

Who could benefit most?

✔ The jet injector has shown better early blood sugar control, which may be particularly useful for:

  • People who have difficulty managing blood sugar spikes after meals.
  • Type 2 diabetic patients, who appeared to benefit slightly more from this method.
  • People who are afraid of needles, as it is a needle-free option.

Conclusion

Needle-free injection allows insulin to work faster, providing better blood sugar control immediately after meals. However, it is not necessary for everyone and its use requires careful training. If you have difficulty controlling your blood sugar after meals, talk to your doctor to see if InsuJet™ might be a suitable option for your insulin therapy!

2.

Insulin administered by needle-free injection corrects severe hyperglycemia more quickly in overweight or obese diabetic patients

de Wit HM, Engwerda EE, Tack CJ, de Galan BE. Insulin administered by needle-free jet injection corrects marked hyperglycaemia faster in overweight or obese patients with diabetes. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2015;17(11):1093-1099. doi:10.1111/dom.12550

This study examined whether needle-free insulin delivery could correct high blood sugar levels faster than a traditional insulin pen, particularly in overweight or obese diabetic patients. Here's what you need to know.

Jet injection lowers high blood sugar faster

✔ Insulin administered by needle-free injector worked faster than an insulin pen in overweight or obese patients.

✔ It took about 45 minutes less to reduce blood glucose by 10 mmol/L with the jet injector, compared to the pen.

✔ The improvement was even more marked in patients with higher body weight.

Faster absorption of insulin

✔ Insulin reached peak blood levels in 40 minutes with the jet injector, compared to 77 minutes with the insulin pen.

✔ This means that insulin starts working faster, helping to lower blood sugar levels faster.

Less time spent in hyperglycemia

✔ Total time spent in hyperglycemia was reduced with the jet injector, especially within two hours of injection.

✔ This can help prevent complications related to prolonged high blood sugar.

No increased risk of hypoglycemia

✔ Despite its faster action, the jet injector did not increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

✔ Patients did not need to consume more glucose after using the jet injector compared to the insulin pen.

Patient comfort and preference

✔ Patients rated both devices as equally comfortable and easy to use.

✔ 7 people preferred the jet injector,

✔ 6 preferred the insulin pen,

✔ 7 had no preference.

Who could benefit most?

✔ People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese.

✔ Those who need to quickly correct hyperglycemia, for example after a missed dose or meal adjustment.

✔ People who have difficulty absorbing insulin due to their body weight.

Conclusion

If you are overweight or obese and on insulin therapy, a jet injector can help correct high blood sugar levels faster than a traditional insulin pen. It works faster, lowers blood sugar more quickly, and doesn't pose an increased risk of hypoglycemia. If you suffer from frequent spikes in high blood sugar or delayed insulin action, this may be a worthwhile option to discuss with your doctor!

3.

Body Mass Index and Needle-Free Injection Efficacy for the Administration of Rapid-Acting Insulin Analogues: A Post Hoc Analysis

de Galan BE, Engwerda EE, Abbink EJ, Tack CJ. Body mass index and the efficacy of needle-free jet injection for the administration of rapid-acting insulin analogs, a post hoc analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2013;15(1):84-86. doi:10.1111/j.1463-1326.2012.01666.x

This study examined the impact of body weight (BMI) on the absorption of rapid-acting insulin when administered via a needle-free injector versus a traditional insulin pen. Here's what you need to know.

Insulin absorption is slower in overweight people using an insulin pen

✔ People with a high BMI have slower absorption of insulin when using a conventional insulin pen.

✔ The time to peak insulin was 31 minutes longer in overweight people compared to those with a lower BMI.

✔ The time for insulin to start lowering blood sugar was almost an hour longer in overweight people using a pen.

Needle-free injectors work equally well for all body types

✔ With the needle-free injector, insulin absorption was identical in lean and overweight individuals.

✔ This suggests that needle-free injection technology allows insulin to work faster, regardless of body fat percentage.

Faster insulin action with needle-free injection in overweight people

✔ The time to reach peak insulin absorption was reduced by 47 minutes for overweight people using the needle-free injector.

✔ The time to reach maximum blood sugar-lowering effect was reduced by nearly 80 minutes with the needle-free injector compared to the insulin pen.

Why is this important to you?

✔ If you have a high BMI and have difficulty controlling your blood sugar after meals, a needle-free injector may allow for faster and more effective insulin action.

✔ This could reduce blood sugar spikes after meals and limit the risk of late hypoglycemia.

No security concerns

✔ The study found no adverse effects or skin reactions with the needle-free injector.

✔ Insulin absorption was reliable and consistent, regardless of a person's weight.

Conclusion

If you are overweight or have a high BMI, using a needle-free injector may make insulin work faster than a traditional insulin pen. This may improve your blood sugar control after meals and reduce blood sugar fluctuations. If you experience these challenges, talk to your doctor to see if the InsuJet™ might be a good option for you!

4.

Pilot study of tolerability and device preference in type 1 diabetic patients receiving insulin aspart with InsuJet™ compared to subcutaneous injection

Reutens AT, Balkau B, Cohen N. A pilot study to examine the tolerability and device preference in type 1 diabetes of insulin aspart administered by InsuJet™ compared with subcutaneous injection. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2014;16(4):235-240. doi:10.1089/dia.2013.0250

This study compared needle-free insulin delivery (jet injection) to a traditional insulin pen in people with type 1 diabetes. The objective was to assess tolerability, patient preference, and effectiveness on postprandial blood glucose levels. The key findings are as follows.

Blood sugar control is similar with both devices

✔ No significant difference in post-meal blood glucose levels whether insulin was administered by needle-free injection or insulin pen.

✔ Both methods provided effective control of postprandial blood glucose over a 4-hour period.

Insulin absorption is comparable

✔ Blood insulin levels remained similar for both devices throughout the study.

✔ Peak insulin was reached more quickly with the needle-free injector (30 min) than with the insulin pen (60 min), but overall absorption remained the same.

No major side effects or safety concerns

✔ The needle-free injector was well tolerated, with no reports of significant bruising or pain.

✔ No serious side effects have been observed with either device.

Patients had no clear preference between the two methods

✔ 4 participants preferred the needle-free injector.

✔ 2 participants preferred the insulin pen.

✔ 4 participants liked both methods equally.

✔ Pain perception was similar between the two devices.

What this means for you

✔ If you are afraid of needles, the needle-free injector can be a comfortable and effective alternative.

✔ The insulin pen remains just as effective and may be easier to use for those who are used to it.

✔ Both methods provide good blood sugar control, so the choice depends on your personal preference.

Conclusion

The InsuJet™ and the traditional insulin pen provide equivalent postprandial blood glucose control in people with type 1 diabetes. There were no major differences in insulin absorption, side effects, or pain. If you're considering switching from the pen to the InsuJet™ , talk to your doctor to see if it's right for you!

5.

Improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of rapid insulin using needle-free injection technology

Engwerda EE, Abbink EJ, Tack CJ, de Galan BE. Improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of rapid-acting insulin using needle-free jet injection technology. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(8):1804-1808. doi:10.2337/dc11-0182

This study compares a needle-free insulin delivery system (jet injection) to a traditional insulin pen. Here's what you need to know.

Faster absorption of insulin

✔ The jet injector allows insulin to enter the body more quickly than the insulin pen.

✔ This means that blood sugar levels start to drop sooner after the injection.

Better control of blood sugar after meals

✔ Because insulin acts faster, it adapts better to food absorption.

✔ This helps avoid postprandial blood sugar spikes.

Shorter duration of insulin action

✔ Insulin delivered by jet remains active for a shorter time than that injected by pen.

✔ This can reduce the risk of late hypoglycemia.

How does the jet injector work?

✔ It sprays insulin at high speed under the skin, allowing for more even distribution.

✔ This improved diffusion optimizes absorption and allows insulin to act faster.

Study Results

✔ Time to peak insulin was halved with the jet injector compared to the pen.

✔ Insulin levels rose more quickly, making it more effective at lowering blood sugar quickly.

Is jet injection better?

✔ It could more closely mimic the action of natural insulin in the body.

✔ It may be particularly useful for people who experience blood sugar spikes after meals.

✔ However, its use requires adequate training.

Conclusion

If you use rapid-acting insulin, a needle-free injector may help you control your blood sugar faster and more effectively. Talk to your doctor to see if this option is right for you!