India has become one of the first countries to introduce Awiqli, the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the new insulin is expected to simplify diabetes management by reducing the number of injections from 365 a year to just 52. Healthcare experts believe the innovation could improve treatment adherence and make insulin therapy less intimidating for many patients.
A Major Breakthrough In Diabetes Care
For decades, people requiring basal insulin have relied on daily injections to keep their blood sugar under control. Awiqli changes that approach by delivering long-acting insulin that remains effective for an entire week.
By reducing the frequency of injections, the treatment aims to make diabetes management more convenient while helping patients follow their prescribed insulin schedules more consistently.
Who Can Use Awiqli?
The once-weekly insulin has been approved for adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who require basal insulin therapy. However, doctors emphasise that it is not suitable for everyone, and patients should switch to the new treatment only under the guidance of their healthcare provider.
The dosage and treatment plan must be carefully determined based on an individual’s medical condition and blood sugar levels.
Benefits Of Weekly Insulin
The biggest advantage of Awiqli is convenience. Fewer injections may reduce treatment fatigue, improve patient compliance, and make insulin therapy easier to manage over the long term.
Clinical studies have also shown that the weekly insulin provides blood sugar control comparable to many daily basal insulin therapies, offering patients an effective alternative without increasing the number of injections.
Possible Side Effects
Like other insulin therapies, Awiqli may cause side effects such as low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), injection-site reactions, weight gain, or allergic reactions in some patients. Doctors advise patients to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly and report any unusual symptoms promptly.
Patients should never adjust their insulin dose without medical supervision.
A New Chapter In Diabetes Treatment
With diabetes affecting millions of people across India, the introduction of once-weekly insulin represents a significant advancement in treatment options. By combining convenience with effective blood sugar management, Awiqli has the potential to improve quality of life for many patients while encouraging better adherence to insulin therapy.
Summary
Novo Nordisk has launched Awiqli, the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin, in India for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The treatment reduces insulin injections from 365 to just 52 a year while providing effective blood sugar control. Doctors say the new therapy offers greater convenience but should only be used under proper medical supervision.
