Keeping the 100-year-old promise: making insulin access universal

This report presents a global picture with considerable access gaps, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where the use of insulin has not kept pace with the rising burden of diabetes. Even in some high-income countries, the price of insulin is unaffordable for many people, forcing them to ration the medicine, thereby risking their lives.

The report spotlights the main barriers to access to insulin and to medical devices for administering insulin and monitoring glucose levels, which are necessary for the appropriate use of the medicine. Many of these barriers can be overcome immediately through better policies and targeted interventions, with contributions from all stakeholders.

The report describes five areas for action that will improve the availability and affordability of insulins and associated devices, as well as the capacity and research and development necessary to address future needs.