Insulin is a hormone that plays a critical role in managing blood sugar levels. For millions of people living with diabetes, insulin is a lifeline—helping them regulate blood glucose and maintain overall health. In honor of National Diabetes Month and World Diabetes Day on November 14, we’re shedding light on how insulin works, its role in diabetes management, and the ongoing challenges surrounding insulin accessibility.
What Is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a small gland located behind the stomach. It acts like a key, allowing sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream to enter cells, where it’s used as fuel for energy. In people without diabetes, insulin production and release are finely tuned to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. However, for those with diabetes, this process is disrupted, making insulin either insufficient or ineffective.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, people with Type 1 diabetes require insulin injections to survive.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The body either becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. People with Type 2 diabetes may need insulin if other medications and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to control blood sugar levels.
How Insulin Regulates Blood Sugar
When we eat, our bodies break down carbohydrates into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. In response, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps move glucose from the blood into cells. This process prevents blood sugar levels from getting too high.
Insulin has two main jobs in regulating blood sugar:
Transporting Glucose: Insulin binds to receptors on cells, opening pathways that allow glucose to enter and be used as energy.
Storing Excess Glucose: When there’s more glucose than the body needs for immediate energy, insulin helps store it in the liver as glycogen. This stored energy can be used later when blood sugar levels are low, like between meals.
Without sufficient insulin, blood sugar levels can rise dangerously high, leading to serious health complications. That’s why insulin is vital for people with diabetes—it helps them manage blood glucose and reduces the risk of complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart problems.
Types of Insulin for Diabetes Management
There are various types of insulin that mimic the way the body naturally releases insulin. Each type differs in how quickly it starts working, its peak time, and how long it remains effective. Here’s a quick overview of the most common types:
Rapid-acting insulin
Rapid-acting insulin
Short-acting insulin
Short-acting insulin
Intermediate-acting insulin
Intermediate-acting insulin
Long-acting insulin
Long-acting insulin
These insulin types allow people with diabetes to manage blood glucose levels in a way that’s personalized to their lifestyle and needs.
The Challenges of Insulin Accessibility
While insulin is essential for diabetes management, it’s often expensive and difficult for many to access. Here are some key challenges people face in obtaining insulin:
- High Costs: Insulin prices have surged over the years, especially in the United States. Many people with diabetes struggle to afford their insulin, and some are forced to ration their doses or skip doses altogether, putting their health at risk.
- Limited Insurance Coverage: Not all insurance plans provide adequate coverage for insulin, leaving many individuals with high out-of-pocket costs. Even those with insurance may face high deductibles or copays, adding to the financial burden.
- Global Disparities: In many low- and middle-income countries, access to insulin is even more limited. Some regions face supply shortages, and healthcare systems may not have the infrastructure to provide insulin consistently, leaving people with diabetes vulnerable to severe complications.
- Lack of Generic Alternatives: Insulin is a complex biological product, which has made it challenging to produce affordable generic versions. Although biosimilar insulins (similar to generics) are available, they’re not widely used or accessible, particularly in countries with strict regulatory pathways.
Efforts to Improve Insulin Accessibility
There is growing recognition of the urgent need to make insulin affordable and accessible to all. Here are some efforts and potential solutions:
- Advocacy and Legislation: Advocacy groups and healthcare organizations are pushing for legislation to cap insulin prices and improve insurance coverage. In the United States, certain states have already implemented insulin price caps, but national legislation is still needed.
- Biosimilar Insulins: The development and approval of biosimilar insulins offer hope for more affordable options. As more biosimilars enter the market, competition may help drive down prices.
- International Health Initiatives: Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and various nonprofits work to improve access to insulin in low- and middle-income countries, often by partnering with manufacturers to reduce costs or provide free insulin supplies.
- Community Support and Assistance Programs: Some pharmaceutical companies and nonprofits offer patient assistance programs to provide insulin at reduced costs or free to those who qualify. Additionally, many communities and healthcare providers are working to raise awareness about these resources.
Insulin is an essential medication for millions of people with diabetes, allowing them to lead healthy, active lives while managing their blood sugar. However, the high cost and limited accessibility of insulin remain significant challenges that need urgent attention.
As we observe National Diabetes Month and World Diabetes Day on November 14, let’s advocate for affordable insulin and support initiatives aimed at making this life-saving hormone accessible to all who need it. Whether you’re living with diabetes or supporting someone who is, raising awareness about insulin’s importance and the barriers to access can help drive positive change.
Remember, you’re not alone in the fight for better diabetes care. Talk to healthcare providers about managing your insulin needs, explore assistance programs if needed, and join the movement to make insulin affordable and accessible for everyone.
