Insulin Needs To Be More Accessible To Those Suffering From Diabetes

Insulin is a life-saving drug for diabetics across the world. 

That’s why millions are left scrambling to pay for it when it’s locked behind an expensive pay wall. 

When I was nine years old, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I still remember the day doctors gently explained to me that my life had changed forever. 

Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition that requires me to inject insulin into my body every day because my body can’t produce it. 

Without daily shots to regulate my blood sugar, I would die from complications that could arise. 

Living life like this comes with many challenges. On average, I inject insulin into my body three to six times a day. I also need to check my blood sugar at least five times a day. 

Having to inject something into my body that it should naturally do itself can cause burnout.  I’ve spent long periods of time not taking insulin because I’m exhausted. 

Because of that, other diabetics and I live under constant pressure and fear that every decision I make can lead to irreparable health problems like vision and hearing loss or chronic kidney disease. 

But the greatest stress in my life is associated with worrying about the outrageous price of insulin. 

Currently, the price for a vial is more than $1,000 without insurance. The average diabetic needs an average of two to three vials per month. 

While insulin prices with insurance can vary depending on how much a person can afford, many still pay more than  $400 in medicine and other healthcare costs per year. 

This doesn’t include other costs like blood glucose monitors, needles and ketone test strips. 

Because it can be so expensive, young and uninsured diabetics frequently ration their insulin to make supplies last. This practice has claimed thousands of lives because not having the proper amount of insulin can cause the body to shut down. 

Even without the imminent threat of death, a lack of insulin in the body can lead to symptoms like fatigue and nausea. It’s not uncommon to be in a state of wanting to vomit while also having to constantly drink water and use the restroom. 

The high price of insulin has cast a negative side effect on the lives of diabetics. That’s why it’s important to reform our health system so we can tear down the insulin paywall that has caused the death of thousands of people.