For 10+ crore diabetes patients in India, New Once-a-Week Insulin Shot Now Available

People living with diabetes in India now have a new option to manage their blood sugar: a once-weekly insulin injection. This new medicine, called Awiqli, replaces the need for a daily shot, cutting the number of yearly injections from 365 down to just 52. This is a major change for a country where the diabetes burden has reached epidemic levels, with over 10.1 crore people now living with the condition.

The impact is felt deeply in states like Gujarat, where prevalence rates have been climbing steadily, affecting millions of residents. n Gujarat, approximately 8.1% of the adult population is diabetic, with an additional 10.5% classified as pre-diabetic, according to the comprehensive ICMR-INDIAB National Study.

For many, the daily routine of needles is a primary reason for delaying treatment. This new medicine is designed to remove that barrier and make life simpler for patients.

How It Helps

This medicine acts as "background" insulin. Its job is to keep your blood sugar steady all day and all night, like cruise control for your body. Because of its unique structure, it releases slowly into your system over seven full days. One shot does the work that used to take seven separate injections.

Important Things to Know

While this shot is a big help, it is important to remember a few simple facts:

• It does not replace mealtime shots: This medicine only handles your "background" sugar levels. If your doctor has you taking a separate shot before meals to handle sugar spikes, you will still need to do that. This weekly shot does not cover what you eat.
• It is not a cure: This medicine is a tool to help you stay healthy, but it does not change the diabetes itself. You still need to watch what you eat, stay active, and check your blood sugar levels regularly. These habits remain the most important part of staying well.
• Follow your doctor's plan: Because this medicine lasts for a whole week in your body, it is very important to get the dose right. You and your doctor will need to work together to find the exact amount that is safe for you. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE MEDICINE WITHOUT MEDICAL CONSULTATION.

This new option is here to help make daily life easier and to remove the stress of constant daily injections. If you think this might be right for you, talk to your doctor to see how it can fit into your current treatment plan.