Now available for nearly a year, Exubera, an inhaled variety of insulin, has been a saving grace for many diabetics, many of whom would rather risk illness than inject themselves with needles every day.

Researchers are conducting further tests to compare this insulin with other varieties.

Food increases the body's sugar levels. When inhaled insulin is taken before a meal, it keeps sugar levels from rising, Smallow said. Unlike some oral medications that regulate blood sugar, there is no need to wait before eating with inhaled insulin.

Other clinical trials with Exubera show its efficacy is similar to short-acting insulins, though the lack of long-term studies has raised some concerns involving lung toxicities and the drug's ability to reduce long-term blood sugar levels below 7 percent. A normal reading is 6 percent or less.

The American Diabetes Association says it supports the new treatment approach.

"The burden of diabetes and its complications is pervasive and growing. We welcome innovation that can offer a new treatment alternative for patients not willing to inject insulin," said Antoinette Maciolek, a spokeswoman for the Philadelphia regional chapter.

Which form of insulin do you prefer?