On December 7, 2005, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). T1D is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone that controls blood-sugar levels. T1D develops when the insulin-producing pancreatic cells are mistakenly destroyed by the body’s immune system. The cause of this attack is still being researched, however, scientists believe the cause may have genetic and environmental components. So, for my dynamic typography class at SCAD, when tasked with creating a PSA on a cause that is important to me, I knew I had to highlight the rising cost of insulin.
Some quick T1D and insulin facts:
(1) Only about 5 percent of people with diabetes have type 1.
(2) T1D is a 24/7 disease that requires constant management.
(3) While insulin therapy keeps people with T1D alive and can help keep blood glucose levels within the recommended range, it is not a cure, nor does it prevent the possibility of T1D’s serious effects.
(4) Insulin was first used to treat a person with diabetes in 1922. The discoverers sold the patent for $1 so it could be accessible for all; however, since the 90s, the cost of insulin has increased by over 1200%.
(5) The cost of production for a vial of most types of insulin is between $3.69 and $6.16.
(6) One of every four patients with T1D has had to ration their insulin due to cost. Many have died.
The insulin crisis in America is a very real and serious problem. Please consider donating and advocating.
jdrf.org | #Insulin4All | t1international.com
