Hundreds of thousands of people living with type 2 diabetes could soon have access to a new weekly insulin injection, potentially reducing their annual injection count by 86%. This treatment is reported to be as effective as daily insulin jabs but only needs to be administered once a week.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has given initial approval for the new treatment. However, it must still be licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before it can be made available on the NHS.
Diabetes UK states that this weekly option could help people manage their condition more easily, particularly those with additional care needs. This includes individuals who are frailer, have sight loss, limited hand movement, or learning disabilities, as well as those who struggle with daily injection routines.
Around 4.7 million people in the UK were living with diabetes in 2024-25, with approximately 90% having type 2 diabetes. Diabetes UK estimates that about one in four people with type 2 diabetes currently take insulin.