A new option in diabetes treatment with once-weekly insulin icodec to address barriers to insulin treatment
0
0
- Novo introduced once-weekly insulin icodec in Thailand, reducing basal insulin injections from 365 to 52 a year.
- Diabetes has a prevalence rate of 10.6 per cent in Thailand—an increase from 9.5 per cent in 2020.
- Fear of injections and daily routines can lead people to delay starting treatment, affecting holistic care for people living with diabetes.
Bangkok, Thailand, 9 November 2026
Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd. (“Novo”) introduced the launch of once-weekly insulin icodec in Thailand, an innovation in diabetes care that reduces the number of basal insulin injections from 365 to 52 a year. This addresses the daily barriers that make it difficult for many patients to start and stay on insulin treatment and reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to people living with diabetes in Thailand.
Diabetes is a serious chronic disease in Thailand with a prevalence rate of 10.6 percent—an increase from the last survey in 2020 which was at 9.5 per cent[1], and the number of people living with diabetes is rising by 300,000 on a yearly basis[2].
The hidden challenge: barriers to insulin treatment
For many people living with diabetes in Thailand, insulin remains an essential part of managing their condition. Yet starting insulin — and staying on it consistently — is often more difficult than it appears.
Evidence from around the world consistently shows that fear of injections and daily treatment routines can lead people to delay starting insulin, sometimes for years after their doctor recommends it. This could stem from concerns over daily treatment impacting their busy lifestyles, work commitments or travel plans, or affecting their quality of life and emotional well-being.
Rethinking what innovation means for people living with diabetes
More than 300 healthcare professionals participated onsite and online in Novo’s scientific meeting to exchange perspectives on diabetes care and discuss ways to address the treatment burden faced by people living with diabetes. Considering such barriers, innovation in diabetes care can include making everyday life easier for people who live with the condition. Reducing the practical, emotional and social burden of treatment is increasingly recognised as an important part of holistic diabetes care.
Mr Cihan Serdar Kicilzik, General Manager, Novo Thailand, said “Novo has been driven by a single purpose: to drive change for lasting health. We know from listening to patients and doctors in Thailand that starting and staying on insulin is not always easy. Daily routines, busy lives and the fear of stigma can all stand in the way of good care. That is why we believe in bringing meaningful innovations such as insulin icodec to the people we serve, in ways that address the practical and emotional realities of living with a chronic condition. Our approach starts with people, and we are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Thai diabetes community, healthcare professionals and health authorities to raise awareness, support early diagnosis and advance holistic care.”
Novo will continue to work with the Ministry of Public Health, medical societies, patient associations and healthcare professionals in Thailand to expand disease awareness, support early diagnosis and improve access to comprehensive care.
About Novo:
Novo is the global healthcare company that believes lasting health starts now. For over a century, we’ve combined leading scientific expertise with a deep understanding of people’s lives. We develop treatments and support that help millions of people make progress they can see, feel and sustain now and in the future. Every day, over 67,000 employees around the world advance our purpose to drive change for lasting health. Through our partnerships, programmes and investments, we’re working to prevent disease, expand access to treatments and reduce our environmental impact to help even more people live healthier lives. For more information, visit novonordisk.com and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, X and YouTube.
[1] Aekplakorn W. 7th Thailand National Health Examination Survey 2024-2025. 2025
[2] Report Disease and Health Hazard News of Interest Along the Border. Department of Disease Control. 2023. Available from: https://ddc.moph.go.th/uploads/publish/1503020231127092424.pdf
