Balancing Cost and Access: The Pharmacoeconomic Challenge of Insulin Therapy in Diabetes Management

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, continues to impose an increasing global health and economic burden. Central to its management, particularly in type 1 diabetes and advanced type 2 diabetes, is insulin therapy—a lifesaving intervention discovered over a century ago. Despite its clinical efficacy, the cost of insulin remains a critical challenge, raising concerns about access and adherence, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This editorial explores the pharmacoeconomic barriers surrounding insulin therapy and emphasizes the urgent need for strategies to ensure equitable access.