A new type of insulin called efsitora, taken just once a week, may help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar as effectively as traditional daily injections, according to recent studies. Efsitora is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but early results look promising. This means that people with type 2 diabetes could soon have a simpler but equally beneficial treatment option.

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What Is Efsitora, and How Does It Work?

Efsitora (also called insulin efsitora alfa) is a long-acting insulin designed to be taken once a week by injection. Unlike traditional basal (long-acting) insulins that must be injected every day, efsitora is engineered to last longer in the body.

Combining a special form of insulin with a stabilizing protein helps efsitora stay active for many days. Because efsitora has a low peak-to-trough ratio — its effects stay more even over time — people don’t experience as many ups and downs in their blood sugar levels. That’s why it can be taken just once a week instead of daily.

Study Highlights

Several large studies tested efsitora in groups of people with type 2 diabetes. Here’s what the results showed:

• A 52-week study involving adults using insulin for the first time found that once-weekly efsitora lowered average A1c by 1.19 percentage points (to 7.05 percent), nearly identical to daily insulin glargine (7.08 percent). Fewer episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) occurred with efsitora.
• A 78-week study of adults taking basal insulin found that efsitora is as effective as daily insulin degludec, lowering A1c by 0.81 percentage points compared to 0.72 for daily insulin. Rates of moderate or severe low blood sugar were similar between groups.
• A 26-week study of adults using both basal and prandial insulin found that efsitora works as well and as safely as glargine for people already using both types of insulin, showing similar reductions in A1c.

Why This Matters

If approved, once-weekly efsitora could make life easier for people who need insulin for type 2 diabetes. Receiving fewer injections may improve quality of life and help people stick to their treatment plan. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 1 in 4 people with type 2 diabetes don’t take their insulin as prescribed, often because daily shots and dosing adjustments can feel like a burden.

Efsitora isn’t available yet, but drug manufacturer Eli Lilly plans to apply for approval in the U.S. and other countries by the end of 2025. If approved, efsitora could offer a new, more convenient option for many people living with type 2 diabetes.

Learn more about insulin timing for type 2 diabetes.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On DiabetesTeam, people share their experiences with type 2 diabetes, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Would a once-weekly insulin option make managing your diabetes easier? Let others know in the comments below.