Throughout 2025, T1International’s global network advanced critical work to improve access to insulin and diabetes supplies. Across regions, our community organized events, met with legislators, shared their experiences, and pushed for structural change.
Executive Director, Shaina: As 2025 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the incredible work our community has achieved this year. From advocacy milestones to local chapter growth and powerful storytelling, our volunteers have driven real change. While our volunteers lead this work, T1International’s staff, consultants, and working group leaders provide training, connections, and operational support to make it happen. Here are the highlights of 2025 from our team:
Community Development Director, Allison: This year, I helped anchor public pharma events in New York and support the formation of a new group focused on public pharmaceutical pathways in the United States; I am really proud of all of the momentum we have been building on public pharma. Next year, we’ll continue to see the fruits of this work, with California offering $55 insulin pens starting in January! I’m excited to see where our public pharma campaigns take us.
Advocacy Manager, Lib: This year was all about growth and empowerment. Last year, Max joined T1International and started the New York #insulin4all Chapter. This year, he hosted a strategy retreat, brought in new leaders, and ran successful events month after month. In New York, the state legislature is preparing to move strong public pharma legislation thanks to our panel, story training, and lobby meetings. I’m proud of the strong, capable team we’ve built together.
Regional Advocacy Consultant for Latin America, Sara: This year, I organized, along with other #insulin4all advocates in Brazil, the publication of the Public Pharma op-ed in Portuguese (opens in a new tab), English (opens in a new tab), and French (opens in a new tab). Seeing it shared widely across Latin America and beyond was exciting, and it helped spark conversations about equitable access to insulin and public pharmaceutical manufacturing outside of just Brazil, where this year we won public pharma for insulin glargine!
Operations Manager, Kate: With T1International’s budget shrinking, I focused on cutting operational costs and saved the organization over $10,000. I’m also proud that our long-term strategic plan was published this year, reflecting the input of over 100 volunteers and collaborators worldwide. It gives us clear direction through the end of the decade, even during times of political uncertainty.
Founder & Advisor, Liz: This year, we released our fifth Out-of-Pocket Expenses and Rationing Survey, published in English, French, and Spanish. Survey data and report findings were presented at conferences and events in Brazil, Canada, Pakistan, Thailand, and Switzerland. Globally, 37% of people living with type 1 diabetes who completed the survey reported rationing their insulin, with respondents in low- and lower-middle-income countries spending an average 64% of income on insulin and glucose self-monitoring supplies. Clearly, there is still much work to be done to ensure equitable access across the globe.
Global Advocacy Manager, Chris: I’m proud to have led our campaign to get rapid-acting insulin analogues added to the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List. This was a huge win for global access. We submitted the application, held a global webinar, and engaged participants from 28 countries. In May, I went to Geneva, Switzerland to speak to the expert committee and deliver our petition. Moments like these remind me why our work matters worldwide.
Regional Advocacy Manager for Middle East and North Africa, Ali: When Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) prices spiked in the Middle East and North Africa, we collected 1,500 petition signatures (opens in a new tab) asking Abbott, one of the big two CGM manufacturers, to lower costs.
Regional Advocacy Manager for Africa, Heather: On World Diabetes Day, November 14th, #insulin4all advocates worldwide made their voices heard. In Africa, our region held over a dozen events and actions, joining efforts across the globe to demand access and affordability for life-saving medications.
Fight for Five Working Group co-lead, Maham: At T1International, we speak truth to power. When Novo Nordisk fired their CEO, we sent a letter signed by over 600 organizations and advocates calling for concrete, accountable policies to ensure insulin is accessible to everyone. Sadly, human insulin pens are still being discontinued worldwide, but we continue to fight.
Federal Working Group co-lead, Kristen: This year, we came together for competition! T1international’s Federal Working Group held a convening in Washington DC to advance U.S. patent reforms and held nearly 100 lobby meetings in 2025. These efforts push long-term change, including public pharma, and show the power of collective action.
T1International Ambassador, Nicole: Healthcare cuts in the U.S. mean that many people with type 1 diabetes will go without insurance in 2026. I lead Families United for Affordable Insulin, providing support, guidance, and advocacy for families affected by the insulin price crisis. This year, T1International sent a sign-on letter (opens in a new tab) and organized hundreds of constituent letters to Members of Congress, demanding affordable insulin for all.
While resources are tight, we have big plans for 2026: revamping our website, prioritizing public pharma campaigns, running our Out-of-Pocket Expenses and Rationing Survey again, and launching another New Advocates Speakers Bureau. None of this work would be possible without the support of people like you. Every donation helps our volunteers organize events, hold lobby meetings, run surveys, and advocate globally for affordable insulin and diabetes technology. By contributing today, you are directly powering #insulin4all campaigns, supporting families, and helping ensure life-saving medications are accessible to everyone who needs them.