Weekly type 2 diabetes jab could replace daily injections

A new weekly insulin jab could soon replace daily injections for hundreds of thousands of people with type 2 diabetes in the UK, according to experts. Currently, around 4.7 million individuals in the country are living with diabetes, with approximately 90% having type 2. The condition occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot utilize it effectively.

Diabetes UK, a charity, believes that moving from daily injections to a weekly option could significantly benefit those who require assistance with their injections due to various factors, such as frailty, sight loss, limited hand movement, or learning disabilities. People who struggle to adhere to their daily treatment routine might also find the new treatment advantageous.

Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK, stated that for some patients, particularly those with additional care needs, transitioning to a once-weekly insulin jab could simplify diabetes management and enhance their quality of life. He emphasized the importance of adequate support from healthcare teams to ensure informed decision-making and reduce disparities in care.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, the organization responsible for evaluating treatments, noted that the new treatment could greatly improve the daily lives of people with type 2 diabetes, especially those relying on caregivers, family members, or healthcare professionals for injection assistance. She highlighted that the decision was made based on thorough, evidence-based analysis, striking a balance between patient benefits and NHS resource allocation.

However, before the new treatment becomes available through the NHS, it must receive approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK's medicines regulator. Health officials are awaiting MHRA's decision to determine whether type 2 diabetes patients can access the treatment via the NHS.

Nice guidance applies to the NHS in England, but it is also frequently followed in Wales. In Northern Ireland, the recommendations are reviewed by the Department of Health, while in Scotland, the process is managed by the Scottish Medicines Consortium.