Living with Diabetes
May 2021
By Patricia J. Cole, Kansas City, MO
Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune illness. For some, the pancreas is producing insulin to a degree, and can be controlled by diet and pills. I was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic forty-five years ago. (seems like most of my life) The pancreas no longer produces insulin for those who are type 1, and require insulin injections or pump infusions of insulin to live. I am writing today to bring an awareness of the struggle those who are diabetic go through daily to control their illness and many to financially afford to do so. There are parents of children with diabetes, who battle each day for their child who lives with type1 diabetes. I have been blessed with an excellent care team and a loving family. I have always been able to acquire the supplies needed to control my illness. Although there have been times because of authorizations needed by insurance companies and distribution centers, when I was within days of running out of insulin and supplies needed. These times are very stressful and frightening. There are many people who suffer from diabetes that live this nightmare of getting insulin and supplies continually.
Healthcare for all is a justice issue. Those like me, need insulin to live; whether or not they have insurance or can financially afford it.
As in all aspects of medicine, the treatment and monitoring needed for diabetes has advanced also. Quicker working insulin (still not close to that of a healthy pancreas), insulin pumps, CGM’s (continuous glucose monitors), are a real help to those with diabetes. But these are not available to those who cannot afford them or whose insurance companies deny them coverage. The injustices of the health system affect many living with diabetes. Informed by social media groups, of those with diabetes and other literature, I have recognized even more; the pain, stress and struggle many suffer in order to financially obtain insulin and supplies. This, all while working, taking care of their families and sometimes giving up other necessities and things we all enjoy, only to stay alive. I know many in this world suffer needlessly every day. Injustices take-on many forms. The chronic illness of diabetes and those who suffer from the unfairness of the healthcare system has become especially known to me.
A change is needed in the healthcare policies of society and the systems of government. All deserve to receive the medical care they need. I know the answers needed are complicated and seem too great to consider, but lives are being held in the balance.
I want to close with the humbleness that has come from living with the chronic illness of being a type 1 diabetic. It takes daily discipline and faith. Living with type 1 diabetes makes every day a “science project”. The extra stress of insurance companies and the financial burden is an injustice that needs to be addressed and lifted.
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
Doctrine and Covenants 163:4 …...For in their welfare resides your welfare.
Financial Assistance
American Diabetes Association https://insulinhelp.org
MAT Medical Assistance Tool https://www.mat.org/
Lilly Diabetes Solution Center 1-833-808-1234
RX Advocates 1-844-909-0329
Johnson and Johnson Patient Assistance Program 1-800-652-6227
https://kumedicinecabinet.org Provides short term emergency medical assistance for those in the Kansas City Metropolitan area.