Prescribing Once-Weekly Basal Insulin in Type 2 Diabetes: Practical Clinical Considerations for Nurse Practitioners

Insulin is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes when patients do not achieve glycemic targets or experience metabolic decompensation on oral or injectable pharmacotherapy. This overview supports nurse practitioners in prescribing insulin icodec, a once-weekly basal insulin analog. The once-weekly dosing schedule offers advantages for patients with concerns about injection frequency, needle anxiety, or pain. Insulin icodec has a favorable safety profile and can be used in patients with mild to moderate renal or hepatic impairment, older adults, during illness, or during the perioperative period. It is compatible with most noninsulin antihyperglycemic medications and offers enhanced glycemic control when used concurrently.