Weekly insulin injections compared to daily: does one method work better than the other?
A new once-weekly insulin treatment, insulin icodec, is being studied for its potential effectiveness in managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This innovative treatment could revolutionize the way diabetes is managed, offering several benefits and some potential drawbacks.
Benefits of Once-Weekly Insulin Icodec
The convenience and improved compliance offered by the reduced injection frequency are significant advantages. Patients may find this more manageable, leading to better adherence and an improved quality of life [1][3].
In terms of efficacy, insulin icodec is as effective as daily long-acting insulins (like glargine or degludec) in lowering HbA1c levels [1]. Furthermore, when combined with semaglutide (IcoSema), it offers non-inferior glycemic control compared to daily basal-bolus therapy, with additional benefits like weight loss and reduced insulin doses [2].
The safety profile of insulin icodec appears to be similar to that of daily insulins, though data are limited for high-risk situations [1].
Potential Drawbacks
While the benefits are promising, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. Limited data exist on the hypoglycemia risk in specific populations, such as those with renal or hepatic impairment, or frail patients [1][3].
As a new technology, healthcare providers may need additional training or guidance on its practical use in real-world settings [3]. Cost and accessibility may also vary depending on location and insurance coverage, potentially impacting patient access.
Future Outlook
While the ONWARDS 6 and ONWARDS 3 trials have limitations, they provide promising results. Participants who took insulin icodec showed significant reductions in HbA1c levels, and the treatment was found to be non-inferior for type 1 diabetes, with a significantly reduced injection frequency [1].
The ability of insulin icodec to provide a stable and continuous release of insulin can lead to better overall control of blood glucose, as demonstrated in the superior HbA1c reduction observed in the trials [3]. However, further analysis of continuous glucose monitoring data and real-world studies are needed to fully understand its effectiveness [4].
In conclusion, once-weekly insulin icodec offers a convenient and effective option for managing diabetes. However, its long-term safety and cost implications require further evaluation. As research continues, this treatment could potentially revolutionize diabetes care, offering a more manageable and effective solution for patients.
[1] The ONWARDS 6 study (NCT03615903) [2] The IcoSema study (NCT03746039) [3] The ONWARDS 3 study (NCT03615895) [4] Prof. Russell-Jones, et al. (2021). ONWARDS 6 and ONWARDS 3: long-acting insulin icodec in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Therapy, 12(2), 541-559.
- The new once-weekly insulin treatment, insulin icodec, could benefit naive and existing patients with diabetes as its reduced injection frequency offers improved compliance, leading to better adherence and an enhanced quality of life.
- In the medical-conditions domain, the science behind insulin icodec has shown comparable effectiveness to daily long-acting insulins in lowering HbA1c levels, and superior glycemic control when combined with semaglutide, with additional benefits such as weight loss and reduced insulin doses.
- However, the potential drawbacks of using insulin icodec include limited data on its hypoglycemia risk in specific populations, the need for healthcare providers to receive additional training on its practical use, and potential variations in cost and accessibility that may impede patient access.
- As science continues to evolve in the health-and-wellness sector, further studies are necessary to fully understand the long-term safety, cost implications, and effectiveness of once-weekly insulin icodec in managing all types of diabetes.
