The administration of insulin by inhalation offers advantages over injected insulin, according to studies presented at the 18th International Diabetes Federation meeting [Paris, France; August 2003]. In a phase III study, inhaled insulin ['Exubera'] provided improved glycaemic control and greater patient satisfaction, compared with rosiglitazone in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A second study, involving obese elderly patients, demonstrated that administration by inhalation provided more consistent exposure to insulin than SC delivery, resulting in more even control of plasma glucose levels.