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Diabetes Management: It needs to be taken only once a week, not every day. Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched its weekly insulin under the brand name 'Avicli'.

Weekly insulin

Weekly Insulin Launch In India 2026: Good news for diabetes patients. Insulin is now available in India that requires only one dose per week, not daily. Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched its weekly insulin, branded "Avicli." The company claims this medication could be a significant relief for patients who require daily insulin injections or who prefer to avoid repeated injections.

Beneficial for whom?

Doctors say that many diabetes patients avoid starting insulin simply because they fear daily injections. Some travel frequently, while others' busy schedules make it difficult to take insulin on time every day. For such patients, this once-a-week insulin could make treatment much easier than before.

A large number of patients avoid taking insulin.

According to Dr. S.K. Wangnu, a diabetes expert at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes for 8 to 10 years and whose blood sugar is not controlled by medication should start insulin on time. Doing so can significantly reduce the risk of damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and other organs. Despite this, a large number of patients avoid taking insulin, which can lead to serious health problems in the future.

Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, says that currently, around 6 million people in India use insulin, while the need is far greater. He believes that a once-a-week insulin dose will simplify treatment and encourage more patients to start taking insulin as directed by their doctor.

How much will it cost?

In terms of price, this new insulin is said to be cheaper than many other insulin options on the market. According to the company, its average cost is around ₹261 per week, or about ₹50 per day. The medication will be available in two pre-filled pens: the first 700 units/ml pen costs ₹2,611, and the second 2,100 units/ml pen costs ₹7,883. Typically, a patient requires about 70 units of insulin per week, though doctors will determine the dosage based on the patient's condition. The company believes that this new technology will encourage more patients to start taking insulin on time. This will help control blood sugar in the long term and may also improve HbA1c levels. HbA1c is a test that measures the average blood sugar level over the past three months.

Does it have any disadvantages?

According to the Indian Express, this medication also has some potential side effects. The most common side effect is hypoglycemia, which means excessively low blood sugar. Doctors say this risk is similar to that of daily insulin. Patients with type 1 diabetes may be more likely to experience low blood sugar. Such patients will need to continue taking fast-acting insulin before meals, while this weekly insulin can replace the daily long-acting insulin. Experts say this new insulin certainly increases convenience for patients, but it should not be started or stopped without a doctor's advice.