Insulin has come a long way since its discovery over a century ago, but today’s options are still much slower than functioning pancreas’ and often too expensive. Researchers and clinicians are now pushing the boundaries of what’s possible: inhaled insulin that works within minutes, ultra-rapid injections designed to mimic the body’s natural response, oral insulin, weekly long-acting formulations, liver-targeted therapies, and even “smart insulin” that switches on only when blood sugar rises.

We have come a long way over the years—from animal-derived extracts in the 1920s to synthetic breakthroughs in the 1980s to today’s faster insulins like Fiasp and inhalable Afrezza,every generation has moved us closer to a less labor-intensive diabetes management. Now, with new research and startups racing to deliver the next leap forward, we may be entering an era where insulin finally works as seamlessly as the body intends.

To explore the future of insulin, I sat down with Dr. David Ahn, endocrinologist and Chief of Diabetes Services at the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag. We talked about how far insulin has come over the years, the innovations on the horizon, and what the next decade could look like for people living with diabetes. If you want to dive into it, listen above or watch below.

Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a physician before making changes to your healthcare.