Give insulin through the nose and plasters.. Lack of insulin absorption from the nasal cavity mucous and irritation of the nose

Give insulin through the nose and plasters:

delivering insulin through the nose and adhesive patches (plasters) is currently not a viable method for insulin administration. While researchers have explored these methods as potential alternatives to injections, significant challenges hinder their practical use:

Nasal Delivery:

- Limited absorption:

The nasal cavity's mucous membrane presents a significant barrier to insulin absorption. Studies have shown low and inconsistent absorption rates, making it unreliable for managing blood sugar levels effectively.

- Nasal irritation:

Insulin's acidic nature can irritate the nasal lining, leading to discomfort, inflammation, and potential damage to the delicate tissues.

- Dosage challenges:

Accurately delivering precise insulin doses through the nose is currently difficult.

- Plasters:

Slow and unreliable absorption:

The skin acts as a slower barrier to insulin penetration compared to injection, leading to delayed and unpredictable absorption. This makes it unsuitable for rapid blood sugar correction.

- Skin irritation:

Similar to nasal delivery, insulin applied through plasters can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Dosage limitations: Delivering sufficient insulin doses through plasters remains a challenge, potentially requiring large and impractical patch sizes.

Therefore, currently, subcutaneous injections remain the safest and most effective way to administer insulin for managing diabetes. 

They offer:

- Rapid and predictable absorption:

Insulin injected directly into the subcutaneous tissue ensures quick and consistent absorption into the bloodstream for effective blood sugar control.

- Precise dosage control:

Injection allows for accurate measurement and delivery of specific insulin doses based on individual needs.

- Minimal side effects:

Proper injection technique minimizes discomfort and reduces the risk of skin irritation or infection.

While research on alternative insulin delivery methods like nasal sprays and plasters continues, they are not yet ready for practical use in managing diabetes. Subcutaneous injections remain the gold standard for effective and reliable insulin administration.