A recent development in the field of diabetes treatment could significantly simplify the management of the disease. Phase 3 clinical trials have confirmed that a new type of insulin, known as icodec, is as effective as daily injections in controlling type 1 diabetes.
The burden of daily injections
For patients with type 1 diabetes, managing the disease is often a tortuous path. Daily injections of insulin, necessary to keep blood glucose levels under control, can be both a physical and emotional burden. Many patients report skipping doses, putting their health at risk.
In recent years, scientists have developed an alternative form of insulin, icodec, which requires only one weekly injection. This type of extended-release insulin has a half-life of approximately seven days and maintains a slow, steady release over time.
Results of Phase 2
Phase 2 of clinical trials (I'll link the details here) involved 582 patients with type 1 diabetes. Half of them received weekly injections of icodec, while the other half continued with daily injections of a common type of insulin called degludec. After 26 weeks, levels of a protein called HbA1C, used as a universal marker for diabetes control, they were practically the same in the two groups.
pros and cons
Despite the promising results, it is important to note that there was a slightly higher rate of hypoglycemic episodes in the icodec group compared to the degludec group. However, these episodes were low in both groups and generally resolved with rapid carbohydrates.
Future perspectives
“We found that weekly injections of icodec show non-inferiority compared to daily injections of degludec,” said Professor David Russell-Jones, first author of the study. This paves the way for a future where diabetes management could be less burdensome for patients.
More field studies are needed to confirm these findings, but this weekly form of insulin is one step closer to approval for clinical use. Force!
