A new treatment for diabetes: weekly insulin injections instead of daily

The new treatment, known as “Insulin Effitora Alfa” or “Onswick,” comes as a long-acting version of insulin, allowing it to be used once a week instead of the usual daily doses. It is manufactured by Eli Lilly, and experiments have shown that it is able to control sugar levels with an effectiveness similar to daily insulin.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin efficiently, leading to high blood sugar levels. If the disease is not controlled, over time it may cause serious complications, including damage to the body's organs.

Weekly treatment may be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty giving themselves injections or need the help of others, including the elderly, people with poor vision or limited hand movement, in addition to those with learning difficulties.

The British National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has classified the treatment as good value for money, but the National Health Service in England has not yet announced plans to provide it on a large scale.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, said that moving from daily injections to one dose per week could make a tangible difference in the lives of patients, especially those who depend on a family member, caregiver or health sector worker to help them take insulin.

For his part, Douglas Twinfor, head of the clinical department at the Diabetes Association in the United Kingdom, said that implementing the treatment across the National Health Service must be accompanied by clear guidance and appropriate training for staff, in addition to ensuring that patients receive treatment fairly.

He added that patients who could benefit from treatment should receive the necessary support from their health teams to make appropriate decisions about their treatment, which also helps reduce disparities in diabetes care.