The benefits of weekly insulin

For the 4 million Italians suffering from diabetes (type 1 and 2), this is a great relief, and also the opportunity to substantially improve their quality of life, as well as save time and money: weekly insulin, now definitively approved by the AIFA (Italian Medicines Agency) and included in the catalog of reimbursable drugs, is a revolution, not only because the annual administrations increase to 52 instead of 365, but also because of the effectiveness of the treatment and its results. Moreover, Italy is the first country in the world to offer this weekly medication among those reimbursed by the National Health Service.

It is a change that, if indicated by the diabetologist, can become a precious resource not to be wasted: simplifies daily management and helps make therapy more sustainable over time.

How it works

We're talking about a "basal" insulin, meaning it covers the body's basic needs throughout the day. The difference here is in its duration: the weekly formulation is designed to release the active ingredient gradually and steadily over several days, thus maintaining a stable insulin level in the blood.

The transition from daily to weekly therapy should not be improvised: dosage, times and methods of titration They must be defined together with the diabetologist, especially in the first few weeks, when the blood glucose response is observed and the therapy is adjusted on a personalized basis.

The benefits for the patient

The most obvious benefit is simplification: single administration per week It reduces the mental burden of therapy and makes it easier to maintain regularity, which is a key point in diabetes management.

In concrete terms, this translates into:

• fewer daily “thoughts” related to injection and material management;
• greater freedom in daily rhythms (work, travel, trips);
• a possible better continuity of therapy, because it reduces the risk of missing doses due to tiredness, distraction or “routine fatigue”.

And, when adherence improves, results often improve over time. More appropriate food choices also help in this direction: for example, including thoughtful options among sweets for diabetics, or focus on one breakfast suitable for those with diabetes.

Because you can save money

The starting point is that the drug is refundableThis reduces direct costs, but it's not the only benefit. Simpler and more regular therapy can also reduce a number of indirect costs, from lost time to complications related to heart failure.

Where you can save

• Less material: one injection a week means fewer needles, fewer pens, fewer packages to manage and dispose of.
• Fewer errors and oversightsBetter adherence can help reduce glycemic imbalances: in the long run, this also means fewer extra visits and a lower risk of complications. It helps to develop habits that promote more stable values, which will make it easier. keep blood sugar lower.
• Simplifying therapy: In some people, it may reduce the need for constant adjustments and additional checks associated with a more complex daily routine.

What to do if you miss a dose

With weekly therapy the rule is: no "do it yourself"If you miss a dose, follow your doctor's instructions and the drug information leaflet.
In general:

• it is not recovered with a “double dose” without medical indication;
• you monitor your blood sugar more carefully until you get back on track;
• If you experience symptoms or values ​​outside of range, contact your diabetologist or doctor.

Benefits for doctors

Treatment can also become more manageable for professionals: when patients have a simpler and more consistent treatment plan, the quality of follow-up changes. Less "chasing" for oversights and more room for precise clinical work, focused on realistic goals and the prevention of complications.

Another important point is starting therapy: in many cases, starting insulin is delayed too long. A weekly formulation, precisely because it's more sustainable in everyday life, can help reduce this hesitation and make it easier to accept the switch when needed.

The benefits for the environment

The introduction of weekly basal insulin also has a significant environmental benefit: it has been calculated that saving 860 tons of carbon dioxide were saved over a five-year period thanks to this revolutionary change. This is primarily due to the reduction in pens to be disposed of and the resulting reduction in CO2 emissions.

By drastically reducing the number of administrations, the amount of disposable material related to the therapy is also reduced: pre-filled pens, needles, packaging, and components that need to be disposed of as waste. On a large scale, this means less transportation, less packaging, and less medical waste to treat. It's a "silent" but very tangible effect: fewer items entering homes and then leaving as waste, week after week.

Who cannot take weekly insulin?

It's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Prescription depends on the clinical situation and the type of therapy needed. In particular, it should be carefully evaluated by a diabetologist in cases of:

• non-adult age (children and adolescents follow specific protocols);
• pregnancy or breastfeeding, where diabetes management requires very strict criteria;
• complex clinical situations or unstable, with frequent episodes of hypoglycemia or difficulty compensating;
• need for specific treatment plans (for example, in type 1 diabetes, rapid insulin at mealtimes remains essential, when indicated).

In any case, the choice is made only with the specialist, starting from the person's clinical history and therapeutic goals.

Read also:

• Diabetes: Symptoms, Remedies, and 10 Tips for Prevention
• What are the most common forms of diabetes?
• Prediabetes: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention