Understanding the Necessity of Insulin for Type 2 Diabetes
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Insulin is a term often met with disdain among diabetics. This hormone plays a crucial role as a cellular signal. After food is digested and broken down into simpler components like glucose, it is absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream.
The pancreas releases insulin to inform the body's cells that it is time to take in glucose, similar to how a bell signals break time in a workplace or school.
When the insulin "bell" rings, it cues cells to start absorbing glucose from the bloodstream. However, some individuals experience issues with their pancreatic function. Type 1 diabetics, for instance, do not produce enough insulin from their pancreatic beta cells to facilitate adequate glucose uptake.
Producing insulin is relatively inexpensive:
A 2018 study indicated that the production cost for a vial of human insulin ranges from $2.28 to $3.42, while analog insulin costs between $3.69 and $6.16. The annual expense for human insulin per patient could be around $48 to $71, whereas analog insulin could be between $78 and $133.
Yet, in the United States, insulin prices are excessively inflated:
In 2018, the average cost of insulin in the U.S. was $98.70, in contrast to $6.94 in Australia, $12.00 in Canada, and $7.52 in the UK.
Unfortunately, Type 1 diabetics require regular insulin injections due to their inability to produce sufficient amounts naturally.
But what about those with Type 2 diabetes? They too are prescribed insulin, despite the complexities of insulin resistance they encounter:
What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance refers to the body developing a counteracting force against insulin. This resistance can pose serious health risks.
When faced with resistance, the most effective approach often involves finding ways to reduce that resistance. Instead of trying to move ten heavy boxes at once, tackling one or two at a time is more feasible, as the burden is lighter.
Simply injecting more insulin into someone whose body is resistant to it won't effectively address the issue.
This approach is reminiscent of outdated corporate strategies where pressure is applied until morale improves. Just as in a workplace, we cannot expect our cells to respond to insulin in the same way, as biological processes differ from corporate policies.
Flooding cells with insulin to compel them to absorb more glucose disregards the fundamental question: why is there resistance to the insulin signal in the first place?
Due to healthcare economics, prescribing insulin is a convenient, albeit partial, solution. The focus often leans more towards financial aspects rather than the underlying science of diabetes care.
In the U.S., the insulin market is primarily controlled by three companies: Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and Eli Lilly, creating an oligopoly with little motivation to lower prices. This results in significant profits for these companies.
This situation resembles a playground dominated by bullies, where challenging their authority can lead to repercussions. However, in different markets, such as China, these companies faced local competition, forcing them to reduce prices.
Unfortunately, individuals in the U.S. remain subject to the high costs imposed by these corporations, which often prioritize profit over health. Type 1 diabetics face dire consequences due to the exorbitant cost of insulin, risking their lives simply because they cannot afford it.
Moreover, there is little incentive to create more affordable biosimilar options when substantial profits are at stake.
Type 2 diabetics must work to combat their insulin resistance, which is often linked to chronic inflammation:
The Role of Inflammation
Inflammation is a complex issue; too much is harmful, but too little can also be detrimental.
Injecting additional insulin won't resolve the problem. While it's essential to manage elevated blood glucose levels, addressing the root causes contributing to insulin resistance is crucial.
This may involve significantly reducing carbohydrate consumption.
We live in a society inundated with sugar, and the consequences of this excessive intake are becoming increasingly evident. Many dining options, processed foods, and delivery choices are primarily laden with carbohydrates.
Joel Yong, Ph.D., is a biochemical engineer, educator, and author of five eBooks available on Amazon.com. He focuses on strategies to optimize biochemical functions in the human body at https://thethinkingscientist.substack.com.