Scientists believe a new formulation of the drug exenatide might help diabetics replace their daily injections with a weekly one.

Toronto University researchers found that a new formulation of the drug exenatide can better control blood sugar levels in individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes.

According to the study published in The Lancet, the new drug could reduce the number of insulin shots from twice a day to once a week.

"Exenatide once weekly resulted in significantly greater improvements in glycaemic control than exenatide given twice a day, with no increased risk of hypoglycaemia and similar reductions in bodyweight,” said the authors.

Exenatide increases insulin secretion and suppresses the release of the hormone glucagon, which stops the overproduction of sugar.

Experts, however, believe that the findings have to be confirmed.

"The research will need to be extended and the results confirmed before we will see any change in current practice," said Dr. Iain Frame of the charity Diabetes UK.

TE/HGH