Imagine taking insulin was as easy as applying skin cream. Guess what - it's not so far fetched an idea, thanks to Phosphagenics and it may be coming soon!

Phosphagenics' has patented a transdermal carrier technology (TPM) that rapidly transports insulin across the skin without disrupting or damaging its surface. The company has recently announced successful results from clinical trials in Australia. This confirmes the TPM technology is safe and effective at delivering insulin into the bloodstream, without adverse events. The trial showed that the insulin safely penetrated through the human skin and delivered insulin into the bloodstream over a sustained period of time. Could this be the next generation of basal insulin? Adios Lantus. Arrivederci Levemir! Almost -- TPM/Insulin, applied topically, delivered insulin through the skin and into the bloodstream for up to 8 hours. So like sunblock -- you'll probably have to reapply.

Weep not, fellow Americans. Although Phosphagenics is based in Australia, they are in the process of applying for Phase 2 clinical trials in the U.S. Big ups to the Muffin Man for keeping me abreast of his leading-edge news from the diabetes-friendly forefront!

Insulin pumps are especially helpful to match your insulin to your lifestyle, instead of the other way around. The pump delivers insulin in varying, small amounts throughout the day, more closely resembling a healthy pancreas. Type 1 diabetics of all ages are using the insulin pump, and even some type 2 diabetics have chosen to try the pump.

Insulin pumps boast better blood glucose control, even a potentially lower A1C. The American Diabetes Association lists some pros/cons of the insulin pump. The pump eliminates the need for multiple injections, significantly reduces large swings in blood glucose, makes diabetes management easier, and can improve the quality of life. Pumps have a convenient disconnect port so you can shower, swim or bathe in an instant. On the negative side, the pump can also cause weight gain or ketoacidosis if the catheter falls out, can be expensive, requires initial training and can be troublesome to cart around. However, the pump is relatively small and can be worn fairly inconspicously in a waistband, pocket or even a sports bra.

For 24 hours a day, insulin pumps deliver short-acting insulin through a catheter placed under the skin. After an initial training period, you program the pump to deliver various doses of basal insulin throughout the day to keep blood glucose steady between meals and during the night. Then you press a few buttons to deliver bolus insulin to cover carbohydrates in meals/snacks. Conveniently, a bolus dose can also be administered to cover your inability to refuse grandma's cherry pie or act as a corrective dose to treat an unexpected high blood glucose level. No more needles, but the port site does need to be changed every few days.

Head to The Diabetes Mall to see the more popular pumps on the market, along with books and resources to aid your research.

Slow and steady wins this race -- and that is why Flamel Technologies took the more natural approach with basal insulin in developing Basulin. The results in a comparison study with Lantus showed patients, while on Basulin, experienced 50% less hypoglycemic events.

Basulin is a controlled release of human insulin, not an insulin analogue like Lantus. The goal with Basulin is to deliver human insulin in order to reduce the risk of potential immune response which can be created by artificial insulins. Lantus has been the preeminent leader since its introduction in 2000. However, Lantus is an insulin analog, meaning that its molecular structure has been changed slightly, to sustain this long-lasting effect. The long-term effects and safety of insulin analogues have not been established.

In a human study, patients formerly treated with Lantus were then changed to Basulin. On the day prior to replacement of Lantus with Basulin, 11 hypoglycemic events were experienced in the 30 patients receiving Lantus. Once these patients were switched to Basulin for the 14 day trials, an average of only 5.1 hypoglycemic events per day occurred. This result is very encouraging, because hypoglycemia is a severe and commonly observed event in T1DM patients. Here is the billion dollar question (In 2006 over 60% of $8.9 billion was spent on long-acting insulin) -- is this more natural Basulin more fat-loving (like real human insulin) in comparison to the insulin analogue Lantus?