The Ongoing Insulin Shortage

The pancreas initially produces insulin in response to maintaining functional storage and energy levels in the body from glucose. As glucose enters the bloodstream, insulin allows the transfer of glucose to the cell and the ability to store glucose as glycogen for later energy utilization. Specific health diseases affect insulin's physiological function, resulting in diabetes. Type 1 diabetes prevents the pancreas from producing insulin, while type 2 diabetes results in inefficient insulin production and sensitivity. Insulin as a medication is crucial to someone's health when the body has deficiencies in producing and synthesizing its insulin. If an individual's insulin levels are not adequately regulated depending on the insulin-deficient disease (e.g., diabetes), it can lead to frequent urination, blurry vision, and feeling hungry. If insulin deficiency or sensitivity is prolonged, it can result in severe health complications such as nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), and foot amputations.

Insulin shortage is becoming more prominent as type 2 diabetes surges due to poor lifestyle choices and obesity. In Canada, for example, the prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes has increased by 6.5% in 2022, as indicated by Diabetes Canada. In addition, the COVID-19 outbreak caused a drug shortage that also affected insulin production. The Canadian government is resolving the insulin shortage by introducing a bill that establishes a framework for sectors concerning diabetes, such as training, education, and guidance programs for health workers. The framework will be implemented into a private bill already in motion in 2021. The framework's purpose is to provide the healthcare sector guidance on efficiently treating and preventing diabetes. As the healthcare system focuses on decreasing the prevalence of diabetes, insulin storage levels will become sufficiently maintained. Moreover, understanding that indigenous populations are more prevalent to diabetes at a younger age is necessary to address their healthcare disparity and will be considered in the bill. There are also alternatives for insulin. Type 2 diabetes alternatives include metformin, a pill that reduces sugar production. Another alternative is amylin analogs, an injection that decreases sugar production in the liver and the absorption of food.

To improve access to insulin, biosimilar insulin is being developed by organizations like Biocon and Aspen. Biosimilar insulin functions are identical to insulin but are not interchangeable. In addition, Biosimilar insulin is produced in batches, making it more affordable and accessible, especially to lower-income families. Clearly, a shortage of insulin can cause significant health complications. Fortunately, organizations like Aspen are developing biosimilar insulins that are more accessible to the population.

References

Biswas., S. (2018). Is the world heading for an insulin shortage. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-46354989

Boseley., S. (2018). Insulin shortage could affect 40 million people with type 2 diabetes. The Gaurdian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/nov/20/insulin-shortage-could-affect-40-million-people-with-type-2-diabetes

Hess-feschi., A & Jaffe., L. (2018). What is insulin. Endocrineweb. https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/type-1-diabetes/what-insulin

Osman., L. (2022). Federal government reveals plan to improve access to diabetes care across Canada. The Canadian Press. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/diabetes-canada-duclos-1.6607619

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