1 in 2 Type 2 diabetics don’t have access to insulin: WHO

Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, November 12

A century after it was discovered, insulin still remains out of reach for many people living with diabetes, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said in a report published on Friday to commemorate the milestone anniversary.

There are two forms of the disease. Type 1 diabetes, previously known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

For nine million people worldwide living with type 1 diabetes, having access to insulin turns the disease into a manageable condition.

The most common form of diabetes, type 2, is usually found in adults. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough of it.

WHO said for more than 60 million people living with type 2 diabetes, insulin is essential to reduce the risk of kidney failure, blindness and amputation.

However, one in two people who need the medicine do not get it.

While diabetes is increasing in low and middle-income countries, their consumption of insulin has not kept up with the growing disease burden, WHO said.

It said even though three in four people who have type 2 diabetes live outside of North America and Europe, they account for less than 40 per cent of revenue from insulin sales.

“The scientists who discovered insulin 100 years ago refused to profit from their discovery and sold the patent for just one dollar,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the UN agency in his message today.

He said that gesture of solidarity has been overtaken by a multi-billion-dollar business that has created vast access gaps.

Diabetes is characterised by elevated levels of blood sugar which over time, can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

Insulin is the “bedrock” of diabetes treatment, and WHO is working with countries and manufacturers to expand access to everyone who needs it.