Why the Price of Insulin is a Danger to Diabetics | Brooke Bennett | TED

Daily Challenges

Living with diabetes involves a relentless routine of managing blood sugar levels and using medical devices. Brooke Bennett describes the physical toll of using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps, which leave her body marked with scars from frequent insertions 1. Despite the life-saving nature of these devices, they are often seen as luxuries. Bennett shares the constant fear of device malfunctions, which could lead to severe consequences like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) 2.

If I were to spike too high, it's DKA. And this device on my arm that's saving my life. It's considered a luxury.

--- Brooke Bennett

The daily struggle includes dealing with device failures and the physical pain of needle insertions, highlighting the precarious balance diabetics must maintain to survive.

   

Emotional Impact

The emotional burden of diabetes is profound, as Brooke Bennett illustrates through her experiences. She spends immense mental energy calculating insulin doses and managing her condition, which often leads to missing out on life's moments 3. The financial strain is equally daunting, with insulin costs reaching $1,000 a month, comparable to the price of a new phone 4. Bennett's CGM, though life-saving, is a constant reminder of her condition, with its incessant alarms disrupting her sleep and daily life.

I'm spending so much mental energy doing math, calculating every second of every day, from the literal prices to the prices that I pay because I miss moments.

--- Brooke Bennett

This relentless vigilance underscores the emotional and financial challenges faced by those living with diabetes.