Insulin Prices Skyrocketing

America’s getting plenty angry about the rising cost of insulin—and no wonder. Between 2002 and 2013, the average price for this life-saving, injectable drug used by nearly 10 million Americans with diabetes has tripled, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). “No one who relies on insulin should have to wonder if they’ll be able to afford it,” the ADA asserts in an online petition for its Stand Up for Affordable Insulin campaign.1
The ADA’s action doesn’t stand alone. In November, Vermont senator and former contender for the Democratic presidential nomination Bernie Sanders fired off a letter calling on the U.S. Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission asking for an investigation of pharmaceutical makers Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi for possibly colluding on insulin price increases.2
“Not only have these pharmaceutical companies raised insulin prices significantly—sometimes by double digits overnight—in many instances the prices have apparently increased in tandem,” noted the letter, co-signed by Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD). “We have…heard from our constituents that the life-saving insulin they need is increasingly unaffordable,” And in early January 2017, the New York law firm Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann sued Novo Nordisk on behalf of the Lehigh County (PA) Employees' Retirement System alleging the company “reported materially false and misleading earnings and forecasts” that were “inflated” by price fixing.
That’s not all. In a rapidly-changing insulin market, the recent introduction in the U. Continue reading

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Why the Rising Cost of Insulin?

Recently, during diabetes management counseling sessions, I taught several patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes about the cost of insulin. They were having trouble affording their daily insulin injections even with health insurance. According to a Bloomberg news report “5 of the 27 branded drugs were diabetes drugs, which climbed at least 20% in cost in the past year.” A study in JAMA (Journal of The American Medical Association) states, “insulin prices have tripled from 2002-2013.”
The ADA (American Diabetes Association) announced “a resolution and petition that calls for transparency in the insulin supply chain to ensure insulin is affordable for those who need it.” There is currently an online petition sponsored by the ADA “to solve this crisis and protect millions of Americans who need insulin to stay alive.” Insulin is a necessity, not an option, for those who suffer with diabetes type 1 and many with diabetes type 2. The petition is available at www.stopdiabetes.com/insulin for people interested in signing on. Let’s examine some of the issues surrounding and relating to insulin through the times:
History of Insulin:
1921 – Frederick Banting and Charles Best did an experiment using a dog’s pancreas and discovered insulin.
1923 – Nearly a century ago, “a trio of scientists in Canada” sold the patent rights to the University of Toronto for $3.oo.
1923 – Near the end of 1923, Eli Lilly was brought on to mass produce insulin in America. This lead to the commercialization of insulin. Insulin was made from beef and pork and many people developed a Continue reading

New ADA 2017 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes

Psychological health, access to care, expanded and personalized treatment options and the tracking of hypoglycemia emphasized.
The ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes are established and revised annually by a Professional Practice Committee. The committee is a multi-disciplinary team of 12 leading experts in the field of diabetes care, and includes physicians, diabetes educators, registered dietitians and others who have experience in areas that include adult and pediatric endocrinology, epidemiology, public health, lipid research, hypertension, preconception planning and pregnancy care. Members of the committee must disclose potential conflicts of interest with industry and/or other relevant organizations.
Psychological health, access to care, expanded and personalized treatment options, and the tracking of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes are key areas emphasized in the American Diabetes Association’s (Association) new 2017 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (Standards). Produced annually by the Association, the guidelines focus on screening, diagnosis and treatment to provide better health outcomes for children, adults and older people with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes, and to improve the prevention and delay of type 2 diabetes. The Standards were published as a supplement to the January 2017 issue of Diabetes Care.
The Standards also include the findings of a new report on diabetes staging, titled “Differentiation of Diabetes by Pathophysiology, Natural History and Prognosis” (Differentiation), which is being published at the same time in Di Continue reading

9 Foods to Avoid When You Have Type 2 Diabetes

1 / 10 Know What to Avoid
Diabetes requires daily maintenance, including monitoring your blood sugar, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and of course staying on top of any complications with your heart, eyes, and other organs. Controlling your weight is another key aspect of managing type 2 diabetes. If you’re overweight, losing some weight — even just 10 to 15 pounds — can help improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and lower your blood pressure. A healthy diet for diabetes will help you manage your weight and lead you toward foods that have a positive effect on your glucose levels, while guiding you away from those foods that are likely to cause dangerous spikes in your blood sugar. Learn which nine foods you should steer clear of if you have type 2 diabetes. Continue reading

20 Foods To Avoid If You Have Diabetes

A large part of keeping your diabetes in control is about making the right food choices. If you have diabetes, a general rule to follow is to stay off foods that are high in sugar. However, some foods and drinks may appear to be healthy options but might contain hidden sugar and fats. And it’s not just sugar you need to watch out for as increased carbs and fats in your diet may also contribute to higher blood sugar levels. Too confusing? Here’s a list of 20 foods that you need to avoid if you have diabetes.
20 Foods To Stay Away From
1. Dried Fruit
The high fiber content and nutrients might make dried fruit look like a healthy option but you might want to reconsider if your have Type 2 diabetes. Dried fruit undergoes dehydration which causes it’s natural sugars to get very concentrated. Though it’s a better snacking option when compared to cookies, it will still send your blood sugar soaring. Just have some fresh fruit like strawberries or grapefruit instead.
2. White Rice, Bread, And Flour
While most diabetics are wary of sugar, they usually don’t keep a tab on eating carbs. Low quality carbs like rice and foods made with white flour, like bread and pasta, act similar to sugar once the digestive process begins. This means that they with interfere with body’s glucose levels. Switching to whole grains such as oatmeal, barley, and brown rice will help in keeping the bad carbs in check.
3. Full-Fat Dairy
Most people know that full-fat dairy products contain saturated fat that can increase your bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the risk of heart disease. As a diabe Continue reading