Diabetes Awareness Month: Because of Pharmacy of Grace “I can Stay Healthy!”

November 5th

Kansas City, KS — Imagine waking up every day, battling an unseen enemy that drains your energy and clouds your future. For millions of Americans, this is the reality of living with diabetes.

Diane Marquez knows this struggle all too well. She was struggling with constant thirst, fatigue, and sleepless nights. It wasn’t until she found herself in the hospital with a blood sugar level of 500 that she realized the truth: she was diabetic. “This was my wake-up call,” she said. She knew she needed to take charge of her health. 

Recognizing Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and at Pharmacy of Grace, every day we see the burden that the cost of diabetes medications can place on patients. Our mission is to alleviate some of that stress by ensuring those in need have access to affordable insulin and medication. We aim to help diabetes patients avoid the difficult choice between purchasing life-saving medication and providing groceries for their families. Our goal is to ensure that all patients can prioritize their health, in an affordable and stress-free way.

Since January 2024, we have dispensed 2,197 diabetic prescriptions to 564 patients. Of these, 1,695 prescriptions (77%) went to 465 patients (82%) living below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). More than half of those prescriptions (57%) were for patients living in extreme poverty (100% below the FPL.) 

Understanding Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

In people with Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin while people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but their bodies don’t use it properly and over time may also produce less insulin. Those with type 1 must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump every day to survive, while type 2 can be treated with lifestyle changes like exercise, weight loss, and a healthy diet, as well as medications. Both type 1 and type 2 can lead to serious complications, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss.

Why is insulin so expensive?

Drug costs are higher in the United States than in any other country. There are a few reasons for this:

• Limited competition that makes up 90% of insulin sales
• Manufacturing process
• Lack of pricing regulation

Generally, prices for drugs decrease within 20 years, but for insulin, prices remain as high as 100 times the cost of production, according to Yale School of Medicine. 

Diabetes patients struggle to afford their life-saving medication because of these factors. Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States, and according to the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control) National Diabetes Statistics Report for 2022, cases of diabetes have risen to approximately 37.3 million. 

“If I can afford it, I can stay healthy.” 

With the help of a dietitian, insulin, and Metformin, Diane began to learn about proper nutrition and how to manage her condition to be there for her grandchildren. “Listen to your body,” she advised. “Once I started listening, I started loving myself.”

She praises Pharmacy of Grace for helping her be able to afford her medication on an on-going basis. “Pharmacy of Grace is so worth it because I can afford it, and if I can afford it, I can stay healthy,” Diane shared. With support for both uninsured and underinsured patients, Diane emphasized, “If you are underinsured, check out Pharmacy of Grace. They’re very knowledgeable and hand-held me through the process with every form and answered all my questions. Their customer service isn’t just a 10; it’s above and beyond. Everyone is here to serve the patient.” Diane’s journey shows the importance of accessible healthcare and reminds us that sometimes, the first step to healing is simply asking for help.

At Pharmacy of Grace, we’re determined to help those in need and proud to have created affordable plans for uninsured and underinsured patients. Support our mission by donating or spreading the word about our affordable insulin through our Grace Meds Program. Help diabetes patients in need today.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TODAY!