The launch of Novo Nordisk's once-weekly insulin, Awiqli, could make diabetes treatment easier and improve patient compliance, according to leading endocrinologist Dr. Ambrish Mithal.

Speaking about the new therapy, Dr. Mithal described the concept of replacing daily basal insulin injections with a single weekly dose as a major breakthrough in diabetes care. He said one of the biggest challenges in managing diabetes is ensuring that patients take their medicines regularly, especially when treatment involves injections.

He noted that many people in India are hesitant to start insulin because of the need for a daily injection. A once-weekly insulin, he said, is likely to reduce this hesitation, improve acceptance of insulin therapy, and help patients stay on treatment more consistently.

Dr. Mithal believes the innovation could be particularly beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes who are beginning basal insulin therapy, as it simplifies treatment and reduces the burden of frequent injections.

However, he clarified that the new weekly insulin is not a complete replacement for all insulin therapy. Patients who require meal-time (prandial) insulin will still need to take separate injections before meals, as the weekly insulin only replaces basal insulin.

The introduction of Awiqli marks an important step toward making diabetes management more convenient, with experts hoping it will improve long-term treatment adherence and overall patient outcomes.