Revolutionary Once-Weekly Insulin Awiqli Launched in India for Diabetes Management

India has launched Awiqli, the world's first once-weekly basal insulin for diabetes management, promising to reduce daily injections significantly. This innovative therapy, developed by Novo Nordisk, aims to improve treatment adherence and encourage earlier initiation of insulin therapy. With over 101 million people living with diabetes in India, Awiqli addresses a critical need for more convenient treatment options. Health experts believe this advancement could lead to better glucose control and improved quality of life for patients. However, successful diabetes management still requires a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent monitoring. Awiqli represents a significant milestone in the fight against diabetes in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:20 IST

Awiqli: A Game-Changer in Diabetes Treatment

India, which has one of the highest diabetes populations globally, has made a significant advancement in diabetes care with the introduction of Awiqli (insulin icodec). This groundbreaking therapy is the first once-weekly basal insulin designed for adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Developed by a Danish pharmaceutical firm, this innovative treatment could potentially cut down the number of insulin injections from 365 to just 52 per year, providing much-needed relief for patients who find daily injections challenging. Health professionals are optimistic that this weekly insulin option will enhance treatment adherence, alleviate injection-related anxiety, and motivate patients to start insulin therapy sooner—an essential factor in a nation where diabetes rates are soaring.

The Importance of Once-Weekly Insulin

Why is once-weekly insulin a big deal?

Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose uptake into cells. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy due to minimal or absent insulin production. Similarly, many with advanced Type 2 diabetes also need insulin when oral medications fail to manage blood sugar effectively. Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, stated, “The launch of Awiqli is a pivotal moment for diabetes management in India. For over a century, our goal has been to simplify, secure, and enhance access to insulin therapy. The realization of once-weekly dosing is a significant achievement for our field. We believe Awiqli will help eliminate both psychological and physical barriers to starting insulin, ultimately leading to better control and improved quality of life for many.”

Addressing India's Diabetes Challenge

Why India needs this innovation?

With approximately 101 million individuals living with diabetes and around 136 million with prediabetes, India is recognized as one of the diabetes capitals of the world. The nation also has over 900,000 individuals with Type 1 diabetes who rely on insulin for survival. Furthermore, about 10% of those with Type 2 diabetes will eventually need insulin therapy to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Despite this necessity, many patients hesitate to initiate insulin therapy due to fears of pain, inconvenience, social stigma, or the complexities associated with daily injections. Experts believe that a once-weekly option could greatly enhance acceptance and long-term management of diabetes. Dr. Rajiv Kovil, a Diabetes & Obesity Specialist, remarked, “By merging the convenience of weekly dosing with competitive pricing, Awiqli could significantly boost insulin acceptance and adherence, marking a transformative advancement in basal insulin therapy for Type 2 diabetes patients in India.”

Clinical Advantages of Awiqli

Clinical Benefits of Awiqli

Clinical trials from the ONWARDS-1 program revealed that insulin icodec demonstrated:

Superior reduction in HbA1c levels compared to daily insulin glargine U100.
Increased time spent within the target blood sugar range.
A comparable safety profile.
A higher number of patients achieving HbA1c levels below 7% without hypoglycemic episodes.

These results indicate that patients may attain better glucose control while easing the treatment burden.

The Role of Lifestyle in Diabetes Management

Diabetes care still requires a healthy lifestyle

While Awiqli signifies a major step forward, healthcare professionals stress that insulin alone is insufficient for effective diabetes management. Successful control of diabetes still relies on:

Maintaining a balanced, diabetes-friendly diet.
Engaging in regular physical activity.
Consistent blood sugar monitoring.
Adhering to prescribed medications.
Regular consultations with healthcare providers.

The introduction of the first once-weekly insulin represents a crucial milestone in diabetes care. By minimizing injection frequency and enhancing convenience, Awiqli has the potential to assist countless Indian patients in managing their diabetes more effectively, ultimately leading to improved long-term health outcomes and quality of life.