In Uvalde, Texas, residents like Mario Resma are facing the brunt of a national issue: securing insulin for diabetic patients in the wake of pharmacy shortfalls. Resma, whose 16-year-old granddaughter Lilly has Type 1 diabetes, “We went to H-E-B. They said they didn’t have any. There was a shortage," according to a recent report by KENS 5.
The ongoing shortage has left many of the more than eight million Americans who require insulin to manage diabetes struggling to obtain the medication. Resma highlighted the problem, "It's very hard to be dependent on insulin, especially someone that young. It's very heartbreaking to see her struggle," he told KENS 5. Resma was presented with an alternative option, insulin pens, which cost substantially more than vials, putting additional strain on those affected by the shortage and complicating treatment protocols.
Eli Lilly, a major insulin manufacturer, has cited market and supply chain disruptions as the reason for the limited availability of certain insulin products at pharmacies. In an April 12 statement quoted by KENS 5, Eli Lilly assured that “All Lilly insulins are available in the U.S. for patients living with diabetes, including 10 mL vials of Humalog® (insulin lispro injection) 100 units/mL and Insulin Lispro Injection 100 units/mL. But, the market and supply chain continue to be dynamic, so some pharmacies may still experience intermittent outages. For most of our insulin products, we have more than one presentation option, like pre-filled pens and cartridges, which provide greater opportunity for patients in the U.S. and across the globe to access our medicines.”
Medical professionals like Dr. Maria Escobar-Vasco, a clinical assistant professor of endocrinology at UT Health San Antonio, advised patients and their families not to panic. "There are certain brands or certain companies that may be having some issues with the demand, and the amount they're able to produce and get into pharmacies, but it's not all the insulins," Escobar-Vasco explained in a statement obtained by KENS 5. She suggests that consulting with a physician could help patients switch their prescriptions to other insulin types or find a pharmacy that has their necessary medication in stock.
Independent pharmacies in the San Antonio area echoed similar concerns regarding the supply of specific insulin products. The shortage is not merely an inconvenience, but a potentially life-threatening situation for those who are insulin dependent, warned Escobar-Vasco, who also noted the severe health risks like high blood sugar and acid build-up in the bloodstream that can occur without proper insulin management. As the nation grapples with this health crisis, families like the Resmas hope for a swift resolution to ensure the availability of necessary medical supplies, especially in areas like Uvalde where pharmacy options are already limited.
