Weekly Insulin Shows Promise: Breakthroughs in Diabetes Management at Madrid Conference

Eli Lilly's once-a-week insulin injection is as effective as daily doses for managing blood sugar levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, according to trials at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting. The study highlighted challenges in dosing and solution proposals for managing blood sugar levels.

In a significant development for diabetes management, researchers presented findings at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting in Madrid, revealing that Eli Lilly's experimental once-a-week insulin injections are as effective as daily methods. The study's results could potentially simplify treatment routines for millions of patients worldwide.

The trials, which involved over 1,500 participants, compared the blood sugar control between weekly injections of insulin efsitora alfa and daily injections of insulin degludec. Both methods showed similar efficacy in managing hemoglobin A1c levels, a key measure of long-term blood sugar control. However, type 1 diabetes patients faced challenges in determining the correct dose of efsitora, leading to more frequent episodes of hypoglycemia in the early stages of the trial.

Dr. Richard Bergenstal, leading the study from the HealthPartners Institute, emphasized the need for further research to optimize the dosing of efsitora to minimize hypoglycemia risks. In parallel, research also indicated that air travel might affect insulin pumps due to altitude changes, suggesting that patients should temporarily disconnect pumps during flights. Additionally, promising developments from French researchers were presented, indicating potential future advancements in dosing schedules using a hydrogel system.

(With inputs from agencies.)