A novel insulin treatment administered once weekly has received initial approval recommendations for use in treating type 2 diabetes in the United Kingdom. The new approach could substantially reduce the injection burden on patients, potentially decreasing the number of annual injections needed by 86% compared to current daily regimens.
The treatment has demonstrated effectiveness comparable to daily insulin injections while requiring administration only once per week. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has endorsed the approach, noting it could provide significant benefits particularly for patients with additional support requirements. Before becoming available through the NHS, the treatment requires licensing approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Health officials indicated they are awaiting the regulator’s decision to determine feasibility for broader rollout.
Type 2 diabetes affects a substantial population in the UK, with approximately 4.7 million people living with the condition during the 2024-25 period, representing roughly 90% of all diabetes cases in the country. Among those with type 2 diabetes, approximately 1 in 4 patients currently use insulin therapy. The condition occurs when the body either produces insufficient insulin or the insulin produced does not function effectively, a phenomenon known as insulin resistance.
Diabetes UK and other health authorities indicated the weekly injection format would be particularly beneficial for populations facing barriers to daily self-injection, including older adults with reduced mobility, people with visual impairments, those with limited hand dexterity, and individuals with learning disabilities. The treatment may also benefit patients who struggle with medication adherence or the technical steps involved in daily injections. Officials emphasized that equitable access and informed decision-making by healthcare teams would be essential to realizing potential benefits.
Nice’s recommendation applies directly to NHS services in England, with NHS Wales frequently following such guidance. Scotland manages treatment recommendations through the Scottish Medicines Consortium, while Northern Ireland’s Department of Health conducts its own review process.
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