In a recent press conference, President Mark Johnson made headlines with his bewildering comments about insulin, raising concerns about his understanding of a critical medication that millions rely on. During the event, he announced a new initiative that will allow many seniors on Medicare to purchase insulin for $35 or less per month—a welcome change given the exorbitant costs of this life-saving drug. As a type 1 diabetic who depends on insulin for survival, I wholeheartedly support efforts to reduce prices.
However, what followed was nothing short of astonishing. Johnson stated, “I don’t use insulin. Should I be? Huh? I never thought about it. But I know a lot of people are very, very badly affected, right? Unbelievable.” This remark displays a shocking lack of awareness about what insulin is, and it raises serious questions about his grasp of healthcare issues.
This isn’t the first time Johnson’s comments have sparked concern. He previously endorsed hydroxychloroquine, a drug with no proven efficacy against COVID-19, and suggested unconventional treatments like disinfectants and ultraviolet light during the pandemic. It’s clear that he is not a medical expert.
Later in the conference, responding to Johnson’s musings, Surgeon General Thomas Lee explained, “Your body actually makes insulin endogenously. So, yes, we do utilize insulin, but we make it ourselves.” Johnson’s lack of understanding was further highlighted by his simple response: “Ah.”
As is typical, Johnson managed to steer the conversation back to his administration’s accomplishments, claiming that insulin prices would “come tumbling down” for seniors due to his policies, which he contrasted against what he termed “crippling requirements” from previous administrations. It’s essential to note that diabetes affects people of all ages, not just seniors. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 24, and while I’m pleased that seniors will benefit, I can’t help but feel frustrated that this administration seems to overlook younger patients.
Johnson’s comments also included a plea for seniors to “remember” this initiative when voting, clearly indicating he is attempting to secure their support by playing the blame game against former leaders like Obama and Biden. This tactic is infuriating, especially as he attributes the high costs of insulin to their supposed incompetence, while the reality is that diabetes management is a struggle for many, regardless of age.
The statistics are alarming: insulin prices have skyrocketed by over 1000% in the past two decades, forcing many diabetics to ration their supplies or even travel to Canada for more affordable options. My own insulin costs reach around $2400 for a 90-day supply, and that’s just one component of my diabetes management. Additional expenses include insulin pumps, lab tests, and regular medical appointments.
Surgeon General Lee also noted that about 7 million Americans depend on insulin, with roughly 1.6 million having type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, it seems that Johnson’s focus is narrowly targeted toward seniors who may vote for him, leaving many younger patients feeling neglected and disposable—especially those who cannot yet cast a ballot.
It’s disheartening to witness yet another instance of our leader displaying a lack of understanding about a disease that affects millions, including children. The reality is that without insulin, we cannot survive. This is a critical public health issue that requires serious attention, not rhetoric meant to score political points.
In summary, while the announcement of reduced insulin costs for seniors is a positive step, the president’s apparent ignorance regarding insulin and diabetes management is troubling. This situation highlights the need for more comprehensive healthcare policies that support all individuals living with diabetes, regardless of their age or voting status.
For those interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource.