A groundbreaking new form of insulin that can be administered once a week is showing promise in managing blood sugar levels for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, according to recent trials. The potential shift from daily injections to weekly jabs could significantly reduce the treatment burden for people with diabetes, although one study highlighted increased rates of low blood sugar among type 1 diabetes patients.
Developed by Eli Lilly, the insulin, known as efsitora, was the focus of two US trials presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Madrid. The trials compared the effectiveness of efsitora with standard insulin, also referred to as degludec. Typically, insulin is recommended for type 2 diabetes patients when other medications fail to adequately control blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes patients, on the other hand, rely on insulin injections daily since their pancreas is unable to produce the hormone naturally.
One phase 3 trial conducted on 343 type 1 diabetes patients using efsitora and 349 on degludec, in combination with insulin lispro, showed a decrease in mean glycated haemoglobin levels over 26 weeks. The study revealed that while efsitora was as effective as degludec in reducing these levels, there was a higher risk of severe hypoglycaemia in the efsitora group, particularly in the initial 12 weeks of treatment. Dr. Richard Bergenstal, leading the trial, emphasised the need for further assessment to determine the most suitable dose for efsitora in type 1 diabetes patients.
Another associated phase 3 trial involving 928 type 2 diabetes patients who had not previously used insulin therapy demonstrated that efsitora was noninferior to degludec in controlling blood sugar levels over a year. The results indicated a reduction in mean HbA1c levels in patients on efsitora compared to those on degludec, with researchers highlighting the potential of a once-weekly insulin regimen to simplify dosing and alleviate barriers to initiating insulin therapy.
Katie Bareford, a senior clinical adviser at Diabetes UK, expressed optimism about the findings, noting that reducing the frequency of insulin injections could alleviate the challenges faced by individuals managing diabetes and enhance their ability to control the condition effectively. She stressed the importance of ongoing research to ensure the safety and efficacy of once-weekly insulin injections for all those who could benefit from this innovative treatment approach.
In conclusion, the development of a once-weekly insulin injection offers a promising advancement in diabetes management, potentially revolutionising treatment regimens for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The results of these trials signify a significant step towards enhancing the quality of life for people living with diabetes, paving the way for a more manageable and effective approach to blood sugar control.