Blog
A Letter to Congress
27 Mar 2017, 11:41 a.m. in #insulin4all USA by Zach Toth
I write to you today as a young American with serious concerns for the future of health care in this country, namely with the GOP’s proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA). My health situation forces a more elevated interest in the current health care debate compared to many of my young peers because I have type 1 diabetes. My fellow diabetics and I (who number around 30 million in the US) rely on access to affordable prescriptions and health care for our very survival. When I say my concerns are serious, I am not exaggerating. Read more
Mexico Needs More Diabetes Advocacy
21 Mar 2017, 10:11 a.m. in Global Stories by Mariana Gómez
Just a few hours after World Diabetes Day the media in Mexico was frightening. According to the press, diabetes has become the number one cause of death in Mexico. We all know that it is actually the complications of diabetes, due to a lack of adequate treatments and insulin, that is killing our peers...
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Diabetes Debt: 3 Stories
14 Mar 2017, 10:57 a.m. in #insulin4all USA, Global Stories by Elizabeth Pfiester
When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 38 years ago (March of 1979), my insulin cost my parents $10 a vial. Now, my co-pay for my insulin is $40 for the brand my insurance company wants me to use, or $60 for the brand that works better for me. If I choose to use my local pharmacy, and get my supplies for 3 months at a time, I have to pay the full amount of $120 for each Rx. If I use the insurance company and get everything via the mail, I only save $20. Read more
International Women's Day: Celebrating Sonia Nabeta
7 Mar 2017, 10:47 a.m. in Global Stories by Vivian Nabeta
In the world of Type 1 diabetes (T1D), “warriors” are the valiant people living with this chronic condition. Sonia Nabeta was one such warrior, who for 16 years believed that her T1D diagnosis was a gift. Until her earthly candle was snuffed out in August 2015, she was convinced that T1D knocked on her door to sharpen attributes that otherwise would have lain dormant! She credited this ailment for many of her salient qualities, especially her diligence and discipline but most of all her compassion. Read more
The Cold Cost of American Capitalism
1 Mar 2017, 5:17 p.m. in #insulin4all USA, Global Stories by Charles Murphy
My life is a roller coaster ride of uncertainty. I just want the tools I need to manage my life and to experience a semblance of happiness. Instead, I am squabbling with insurance and pharmaceutical companies to provide the care that I believe is my natural human right. The injustices experienced by type 1 diabetics in this country amount to a form of massacre. Read more
Diabetes and the “American Dream”
20 Feb 2017, 10:31 a.m. in #insulin4all USA, Global Stories by Karyn Wofford
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 12, after my mom noticed I had lost an extreme amount of weight after three days at summer camp. She had my uncle, a type 2 diabetic test my blood sugar, like he had many times before because of my fascination with medical equipment. Except this time, something was wrong. Read more
America is Number 1 - in Diabetes Costs
15 Feb 2017, 10:39 a.m. in #insulin4all USA, Global Stories by James Elliott
Everyone likes being #1, and Americans are no exception. Few Americans will be celebrating that they have the world’s highest out of pocket costs for insulin and other life-saving diabetes supplies. Read more
An update on Insulin for Syrians
8 Feb 2017, 7:17 p.m. in Global Stories, News & Statements by Elizabeth Pfiester
Many of you supported T1International’s Insulin for Syrians campaign last year, when we raised funds for our partner organisation, the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) to ensure that people living with diabetes amidst the crisis in Syria would be able to have access to insulin and basic supplies. Read this update about the situation now and how your donation helped. Read more
Patients vs. Pharma: Hagens Berman files complaint against 'Big Three' insulin producers
30 Jan 2017, 9:15 p.m. in #insulin4all USA, News & Statements by T1International
The law firm Hagens Berman has filed a complaint against Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi, the ‘big three’ pharmaceutical companies that hold a near-monopoly on the insulin market. People living with type 1 diabetes will be the plaintiffs in this class action lawsuit, which alleges that Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi have unjustly inflated their prices. Read more
Supporting Refugees with type 1 diabetes in Germany
23 Jan 2017, 4:51 p.m. in Global Stories by Katarina Braune
When refugees arrive in Germany and apply for asylum, the registration office and the doctors of Berlin’s refugee health department are the first people they meet. Oftentimes it is their first opportunity to see a health care professional in weeks or even months. During the past two years our health care system here in Germany has been overwhelmed by the large amount of immigrants coming to Europe. Many refugees got sick on their long and exhausting trip... Read more