India Gets Once-Weekly Insulin Option As Endocrinologist Lists Key Points Before Switching

A new development in diabetes care has arrived in India with the launch of Awiqli, the world's first once-weekly basal insulin injection for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The new insulin, introduced by Novo Nordisk India, aims to reduce the burden of daily insulin injections by allowing eligible patients to take just one dose every week instead of seven separate injections. Insulin therapy is essential for many people with diabetes, particularly those whose bodies are unable to produce enough insulin naturally. Traditionally, several patients requiring basal insulin have had to administer injections every day to maintain stable blood glucose levels.

Awiqli is designed to provide a longer-lasting insulin effect, reducing the frequency of injections from 365 doses annually to approximately 52 doses. Doctors said the introduction of once-weekly insulin could significantly improve convenience and treatment adherence for many patients. Endocrinologists believe that reducing the number of injections may help some people manage diabetes more consistently, although the suitability of the treatment depends on individual medical conditions, blood sugar patterns and doctors' recommendations.

The launch follows findings from the ONWARDS clinical trial programme, which also included participants from India. According to Novo Nordisk India Managing Director Vikrant Shrotriya, the trials showed that Awiqli achieved improved HbA1c reduction and increased time in range compared with once-daily insulin glargine U100 among studied patients with type 2 diabetes.

Shrotriya said the clinical programme found that more people using Awiqli achieved an HbA1c level below 7 per cent without experiencing hypoglycaemia. The trials also showed improvements in time in range, a measurement that indicates how long a person's blood glucose levels remain within the recommended target range during the day.

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Experts, however, have advised patients not to switch insulin treatments without consulting their healthcare providers. While once-weekly insulin offers convenience, doctors need to evaluate factors such as existing insulin dosage, diabetes type, lifestyle, diet, kidney function and risk of low blood sugar before recommending a change.

Endocrinologists have highlighted several important points patients should understand before considering Awiqli. These include the need for correct dosage adjustment, monitoring blood glucose levels regularly, recognising symptoms of hypoglycaemia and maintaining follow-up appointments with doctors after switching treatments.

Like other insulin therapies, Awiqli may have potential side effects, including low blood sugar levels, injection-site reactions and changes in insulin requirements during illness, lifestyle changes or other medical conditions. Patients must follow prescribed instructions and report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare providers. The arrival of once-weekly insulin marks a significant shift in diabetes management, particularly for people who find daily injections challenging.

However, doctors emphasise that medication is only one part of effective diabetes care, with healthy eating habits, physical activity, regular monitoring and medical guidance remaining essential. With diabetes cases increasing globally, including in India, healthcare experts say innovations that improve treatment convenience could play an important role in helping patients maintain better long-term control. Awiqli's availability provides a new option for eligible adults, but doctors stress that treatment decisions should always be personalised based on each patient's health needs.

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