Could Awiqli Change the Way People Manage Diabetes?

For many people living with diabetes, starting insulin is often accompanied by anxiety. Some worry about giving themselves injections every day, while others fear forgetting doses or disrupting their daily routine. Fortunately, advances in diabetes care continue to make treatment simpler and more convenient.

One such innovation is Once weekly basal insulin, a new option that requires just one injection every week instead of one every day. The first such insulin to become available in India is Awiqli (insulin icodec), offering a new approach for eligible adults living with diabetes.

Understanding the Basics of Insulin

People with Type 1 diabetes, where little or no insulin is produced, and Type 2 diabetes, where the body initially becomes resistant to insulin, may eventually require insulin therapy to achieve good blood glucose control.

Modern insulin therapy is designed to mimic the body's natural pattern of insulin release. This includes basal insulin, which provides a steady background supply throughout the day and night, and mealtime (bolus) insulin, which controls the rise in blood sugar after meals. With advances in insulin technology, treatment options have evolved from multiple daily injections to newer formulations such as once-weekly basal insulin, offering greater convenience for eligible patients while maintaining effective glucose control.

Different Types of Insulin

Insulin is available in several forms, each designed to work at a different speed and for a different duration.

·       Rapid-acting and short-acting insulins are taken around mealtimes to control the rise in blood sugar after eating (also called bolus or mealtime insulin).

·       Intermediate-acting insulin provides coverage for a longer period but does not last a full day.

·       Long-acting or basal insulin delivers a slow, steady supply of insulin throughout the day and night to control blood glucose between meals and during sleep.

·       Some people may also use premixed insulin, which combines basal and mealtime insulin in a single injection for added convenience.

How is Basal Insulin Different from Other Types of Insulin?

The main difference lies in its role and duration of action.

Basal insulin is often referred to as the body's "background insulin" because it provides a continuous, low level of insulin to help keep blood glucose stable even when you are not eating. In contrast, rapid-acting and short-acting insulins work quickly to manage the sharp rise in blood sugar after meals and wear off within a few hours.

While mealtime insulins address immediate glucose spikes, basal insulin focuses on maintaining overall glucose control over an extended period.

Many people with diabetes, particularly those with Type 1 diabetes and some with Type 2 diabetes, may require both basal and mealtime insulin to achieve optimal blood sugar control.

The newer once-weekly basal insulin (insulin icodec) extends this background insulin coverage for an entire week with a single injection.

Let's understand what this new insulin is, who may benefit from it, and how it differs from traditional daily insulin.

Awiqli: A New Milestone in Insulin Therapy

Awiqli (insulin icodec) is India's first once-weekly basal insulin. Unlike traditional basal insulin, which requires a daily injection, Awiqli provides steady background insulin coverage for an entire week with a single dose.

It contains active ingredient Insulin icodec, an ultra-long-acting insulin designed to provide steady blood glucose control for an entire week after a single injection, making insulin therapy more convenient for many patients.

Normally, the body continuously releases small amounts of insulin throughout the day. Basal insulin therapy attempts to mimic this natural process. After injection, insulin icodec is released gradually over seven days, maintaining relatively stable insulin levels throughout the week.

According to current approvals, Weekly insulin for diabetes may be prescribed for adults with:

• Type 1 diabetes insulin therapy (along with rapid-acting mealtime insulin)
• Type 2 diabetes insulin therapy when basal insulin is indicated

However, the choice of insulin depends on several factors including blood glucose levels, previous insulin use, other medical conditions, and the treating physician's assessment.

It is important to remember that not every patient is an ideal candidate for once-weekly insulin. Consult your healthcare provider for understanding what suits you the best.

How is Awiqli Insulin Different from Daily Basal Insulin?

The biggest difference is convenience. Potential advantages include:

• Fewer injections throughout the year
• Reduced treatment burden
• Improved convenience
• Easier treatment schedules for some patients
• Potential improvement in treatment adherence

Availability and Cost of Awiqli in India

The introduction of Awiqli (insulin icodec) marks an important milestone in diabetes care in India. As the country's first once-weekly basal insulin, it offers eligible adults with diabetes a new treatment option that reduces the frequency of basal insulin injections from once daily to once weekly. However, Awiqli is a prescription-only medicine and should be initiated only after a thorough medical evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional, who can determine whether it is appropriate based on an individual's clinical needs and treatment goals.

As a newly launched therapy, the price of Awiqli in India may vary depending on factors such as the city, pharmacy, availability, and pack size. Since pricing and availability can change over time, patients are advised to consult their treating physician or local pharmacy for the most current information before starting treatment.

The Bottom Line

The arrival of Once weekly basal insulin represents an important milestone in diabetes care. By reducing injection frequency while maintaining effective background insulin coverage, it offers a promising new option for adults with diabetes who require basal insulin therapy.

Although Weekly insulin for type 2 diabetes and Weekly insulin for type 1 diabetes may improve convenience for many patients, the best insulin is always the one that fits an individual's medical needs, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

If you think Awiqli insulin might be suitable for you, speak with your diabetes specialist to understand whether it is the right choice for your diabetes management plan.

FAQs

1. Does once-weekly insulin work as well as daily basal insulin?

Yes. Clinical studies have shown that once-weekly insulin icodec provides blood sugar control comparable to daily basal insulin in appropriate patients. Your doctor will determine whether it is the right option for you based on your diabetes, blood sugar levels, and overall health.

2. How is Awiqli administered?

Awiqli is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) using a prefilled insulin pen. It is usually injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and the injection site should be rotated regularly. Your healthcare provider will demonstrate the correct injection technique before you begin treatment.

3. What should I do if I miss my weekly insulin dose?

If you miss your scheduled injection, do not take an extra dose or change your dosing schedule on your own. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or consult your diabetes care team for advice on when to take the missed dose.

4. What are the possible side effects of Awiqli?

Like all insulin therapies, Awiqli may cause side effects. The most common is low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Some people may also experience mild injection-site reactions. If you have frequent episodes of low blood sugar or notice any unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

5. Will I still need to monitor my blood sugar?

Yes. Regular blood glucose monitoring remains an important part of diabetes management, even if you are taking insulin only once a week. Monitoring helps your doctor assess how well your treatment is working and make dose adjustments when needed.

6. Does once-weekly insulin replace all insulin injections?

Not always. For people with Type 1 diabetes, Awiqli replaces only the basal (background) insulin and must still be used together with rapid-acting insulin before meals. Some people with Type 2 diabetes may only need basal insulin, while others may require additional diabetes medications.

7. Will I still need to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly?

Absolutely. Once-weekly insulin makes treatment more convenient, but it does not replace healthy lifestyle habits. Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and attending regular follow-up appointments remain essential for achieving good blood sugar control.

8. Is once-weekly insulin suitable for everyone with diabetes?

No. Although Awiqli offers a convenient treatment option, it may not be appropriate for everyone. The decision depends on factors such as the type of diabetes, previous treatment, blood sugar control, other medical conditions, and individual treatment goals. Your healthcare provider will determine whether it is the right choice for you.

References:

1.      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Insulin and how to use it [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): CDC; [cited 2026 Jul 16]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/how-to-use-insulin.html

2.      National Health Service. Insulin [Internet]. London: NHS; [cited 2026 Jul 16]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/insulin/

3.      WebMD Editorial Contributors. Basal insulin: Types, benefits, dosage, and side effects [Internet]. WebMD; [cited 2026 Jul 16]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/basal-insulin-overview

4.      Mathieu C, Hollander P, Miranda-Palma B, et al. Insulin icodec: A novel once-weekly basal insulin for diabetes management. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2023;25(8):2143-2155. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10258611/

5.     Blonde L, Bajaj HS, Kalra S, et al. Once-weekly insulin for the treatment of diabetes: Current evidence and future perspectives. Mayo Clin Proc. 2022;97(1):151-163. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0026049521002249