Researchers have concluded that the inhaled insulin drug Exubera is effective even when patients are suffering from respiratory distress or inhaling second-hand smoke.

Pfizer Inc said new data shows that adult patients with diabetes who took its exubera inhaled insulin were able to safely maintain good blood sugar control even if they developed a respiratory infection or were exposed to passive cigarette smoke.

These analyses were presented today at the 42nd European Association for the Study of Diabetes, the company said.

In addition, according to a retrospective analyses of 14 Exubera phase 2 and 3 clinical studies, Exubera was well tolerated and efficacious, even during respiratory illness in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Another new study found that while passive smoke exposure could result in decreased absorption, Exubera could be used by patients who were exposed to a smoky environment, the drug maker said.

Of course, it's better to avoid smoking and illnesses altogether if possible, but at least there's still a viable treatment available if you find yourself in distress.