I am an RN and a certified diabetes care and education specialist with more than 37 years of experience. I urge the New Hampshire Senate to pass House Bill 1280, which limits out-of-pocket costs for insulin. I urge Gov. Chris Sununu to sign this bill.
With Type 1 diabetes, an adequate amount of insulin is necessary to prevent a deadly complication called diabetic ketoacidosis. If insulin is rationed, serious and expensive complications or death can result.
Unfortunately, the high out-of-pocket cost of insulin forces many to ration their insulin in order to afford food, rent and child care expenses.
With Type 2 diabetes, insulin is often used to achieve better control. Poor control over the years results in blindness, kidney disease, and numbness and tingling of the feet. Pain sensation can be lost in the feet, increasing the risk of foot injury that can result in amputation.
An adequate amount of insulin decided by a health care provider is necessary to improve diabetes control and decrease the risk of these long-term complications.
The most serious issue is the effect of insulin rationing on the immune system. Rationing results in poor control and an immune system that has a harder time fighting off infection. This is a serious concern during a health emergency.
Every effort must be made to ensure that our citizens have the insulin their body needs.
LIZ KENNETT
Weare