Once-a-Week Insulin in India: Can 52 Injections Replace 365 for Diabetes Patients?

For millions of people living with diabetes, daily insulin injections have long been an unavoidable part of life. Now, that routine may become significantly easier.

Novo Nordisk has launched Awiqli, the world's first once-weekly basal insulin, in India. If prescribed by a doctor, eligible patients could reduce their insulin injections from 365 per year to just 52, marking a major milestone in diabetes care.

Key Highlights

• Novo Nordisk has introduced Awiqli, the world's first once-weekly basal insulin, in India.
• Eligible patients may reduce insulin injections from 365 to 52 annually.
• Weekly insulin could improve treatment adherence and quality of life.
• The therapy is designed primarily for adults requiring basal insulin.
• Doctors say patients should switch only under medical supervision.

Why Weekly Insulin Matters

For many diabetes patients and caregivers, daily insulin injections require strict schedules that can disrupt work, travel and everyday life.

Missing or delaying insulin doses can affect blood sugar control, making treatment consistency essential.

A once-weekly insulin aims to reduce this burden by allowing patients to take a single scheduled injection every seven days instead of one every day.

What Is Awiqli?

Awiqli is a once-weekly basal insulin developed by Novo Nordisk.

Basal insulin provides a steady level of insulin throughout the day and night to help regulate blood glucose levels between meals and while sleeping.

Unlike rapid-acting insulin, which is taken around meals, basal insulin works continuously over an extended period.

Potential Benefits

According to experts, once-weekly insulin could offer several advantages:

• Fewer injections throughout the year.
• Better treatment adherence.
• Greater convenience for elderly patients.
• Reduced caregiver burden.
• Improved flexibility for work, travel and daily routines.
• Potential improvement in overall quality of life.

For caregivers who administer insulin to elderly family members, fewer injections may also reduce daily stress and scheduling challenges.

Who Can Benefit?

Weekly basal insulin may be suitable for adults who require long-acting insulin as part of their diabetes management.

However, it is not a universal replacement for every insulin regimen.

Doctors will determine whether a patient is eligible based on:

• Type of diabetes.
• Blood sugar control.
• Current insulin regimen.
• Overall health condition.
• Individual medical history.

Can Patients Switch Immediately?

No.

Medical experts advise that patients should not switch from daily insulin to weekly insulin on their own.

Transitioning to a once-weekly insulin requires:

• Medical evaluation.
• Dose adjustment.
• Blood glucose monitoring.
• Regular follow-up with a healthcare professional.

Self-medication or changing insulin schedules without medical guidance can lead to dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

A Step Forward in Diabetes Care

India has one of the world's largest populations of people living with diabetes.

Innovations such as once-weekly insulin are expected to improve treatment convenience while encouraging patients to remain consistent with therapy.

Although it does not eliminate the need for lifestyle changes, healthy eating, exercise or regular glucose monitoring, reducing the number of injections could make long-term diabetes management easier for many patients.

FAQs

What is once-weekly insulin?

Once-weekly insulin is a long-acting basal insulin that needs to be injected only once every seven days instead of daily.

What is Awiqli?

Awiqli is the world's first once-weekly basal insulin developed by Novo Nordisk and launched in India.

Can everyone with diabetes use weekly insulin?

No. Eligibility depends on the patient's medical condition and should be determined by a doctor.

Does weekly insulin replace all diabetes medications?

No. Many patients may still require other diabetes medicines or mealtime insulin depending on their treatment plan.

Should patients switch without consulting a doctor?

No. Any change in insulin therapy should only be made under medical supervision.

Conclusion

The launch of Awiqli marks a significant advancement in diabetes treatment by offering eligible patients the possibility of reducing insulin injections from 365 to just 52 each year. While the innovation has the potential to improve convenience and treatment adherence, experts emphasise that weekly insulin is not suitable for everyone and should only be started after consultation with a healthcare professional.