Insulin

Background

Insulin is a hormone that provides energy for the body by moving glucose (food molecule) into the blood where it will spread to the body’s cells. It is used as a treatment for people with diabetes because those with this illness have low levels of insulin. Thus, many diabetic treatments include injecting insulin into patients. Also, insulin can be tailored for specific people so it can have the most effective effects. 

Insulin's Role in Our Blood

Insulin lowers the blood sugar level within our bodies. However, too much insulin can be very harmful. Thus, a second hormone is present called Glucagon that increases blood sugar levels. These two hormones work together in order to balance our blood sugar levels. We can increase our blood sugar levels by eating sugar, like a lollipop or chocolate. We can decrease our blood sugar levels by again injections of insulin.

Impact

With the growing percentage of Americans being diagnosed with diabetes insulin has proved to be a great treatment for those individuals. However, it’s not always affordable according to Mallory Locklear on Yale News, “For more than 14% of people who use insulin in the U.S., insulin costs consume at least 40% of their available income, a new study finds”. Thus, the high prices for insulin and the growing number of those with diabetes prevent many diabetic individuals from getting the treatment they need. Therefore, doctors, researchers, and the public need to take action to lower the cost of the essential insulin treatment, and make it accessible to all.