Insulin shortages spark anxiety among diabetes patients

Original source (on modern site) | Article images: [1]

The scarcity of insulin is causing stress among those with type 1 diabetes. 

Reports of insulin scarcity have sparked concerns among patients, including one NHS doctor who shared her struggle to obtain insulin. 

Approximately 400,000 people with type 1 diabetes face uncertainty due to global insulin manufacturing challenges.

• Weight loss not common in adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
• Breakthrough oral insulin delivery system shows promise in early studies

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has emphasised the critical importance of a consistent insulin supply.

Insulin is a life-saving necessity for people with type 1 diabetes.

The shortage affects multiple insulin formulations, including:

• Humalog
• Fiasp FlexTouch pre-filled injecting pens
• Tresiba FlexTouch pens

Supply constraints are not expected to become available again until early next year.

Guidance has been issued to assist in managing patients during this period aiming to alleviate distress experienced by individuals with type 1 diabetes and their families.

Patients worried about their condition to speak to their healthcare team.

Despite efforts by the NHS to reassure patients that they can use other formulations when their usual product is unavailable, challenges still remain.

This includes inappropriate dosing advice upon switching medications.

• Diabetes, pollution and alcohol biggest modifiable risk factors for dementia
• Insulin spray could soon end the need for diabetes injections

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is working with manufacturers to address the shortages.

What's new on the forum? ⭐️

Get our free newsletters

Stay up to date with the latest news, research and breakthroughs.