Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Weekly Basal Insulin Offers Convenience for Some Diabetes Patients
People with diabetes often take insulin every day.
Novo Nordisk made a new insulin that you only need to inject once a week.
Studies show it works as well or better than daily insulin and can help people who find daily injections hard to remember.
It only replaces the background insulin, so people with type 1 diabetes still need extra insulin for meals.
Doctors say you should talk with your doctor to see if this weekly insulin fits your life and keeps your blood sugar in check.
Novo Nordisk’s once‑weekly basal insulin, Awiqli (insulin icodec), is a new option for people with well‑controlled diabetes on daily basal insulin.
Clinical data from the ONWARDS programme show Awiqli reduces HbA1c by 0.19% more than daily glargine U100 and improves time‑in‑range.
Switching to a weekly injection can lower the yearly injection burden from 365 to 52, easing adherence for patients with busy schedules or injection fatigue.
Awiqli only replaces background insulin; patients with type 1 diabetes still need mealtime insulin and must continue glucose monitoring and lifestyle measures.
The decision to switch should be individualized, weighing control, lifestyle, and preferences, and discussed with a treating physician.
- Who
- Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes using daily basal insulin
- What
- Consider switching to once‑weekly basal insulin Awiqli
- When
- After evaluating current control and lifestyle, as discussed in the article
- Where
- Available globally through Novo Nordisk
- Why
- To reduce injection burden and improve convenience without compromising glycaemic control
- Product
- Awiqli (insulin icodec)
- Manufacturer
- Novo Nordisk
- Clinical benefit
- 0.19% greater HbA1c reduction than daily glargine U100
- Injection frequency
- 52 times per year
- Target patients
- Well‑controlled type 1 or type 2 diabetes on daily basal insulin