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Hundreds of thousands of individuals living with type 2 diabetes could soon benefit from a new insulin treatment that requires just one injection per week, potentially reducing the number of injections needed annually by 86%. Currently, patients must await approval from the relevant medicines regulator before this treatment becomes available through the NHS. Although the new weekly jab offers the same effectiveness as daily injections, it promises greater convenience.
Diabetes UK highlights that this advancement may particularly aid those who require additional support to manage their diabetes, such as people with limited dexterity, visual impairment, or learning disabilities. With approximately 4.7 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes in 2024-25, and around 90% of these cases being type 2 diabetes, the new treatment could significantly improve how these patients manage their condition. It is known that about one in four individuals with type 2 diabetes currently uses insulin.
The shift to a weekly insulin injection is expected to provide more flexibility, especially for those facing challenges with daily injections. This includes frailer patients or those who need assistance from carers or healthcare professionals. Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK, explained: “For some, especially those with additional care needs, moving from daily insulin injections to a once-weekly option could help manage their diabetes more easily, improving their quality of life.” He emphasized the importance of support from healthcare teams to help those who might benefit from this treatment make well-informed choices. Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, added that this new option could have a meaningful impact on the daily lives of people who depend on others for their injections. She noted that the recommendation was made after careful consideration of both patient benefits and NHS resource management.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has issued the initial approval, endorsing the treatment for use on the NHS in England. However, before it can be prescribed, the treatment must be licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Officials are currently awaiting the MHRA’s decision to determine if and when the treatment can be introduced. While Nice guidance generally influences NHS practice in Wales as well, health authorities in Northern Ireland and Scotland follow separate evaluation processes carried out by their respective health departments and the Scottish Medicines Consortium
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