Athens man feels impact of insulin shortage

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — People nationwide are struggling to find and afford insulin after manufacturing delays and transportation issues.

Tom Walsh, who lives in Athens, says he was lucky to receive a 90-day supply of his insulin in January. Since March, he's been in a constant state of panic regarding when and where he would find he's next vial of the life-saving drug.

"My pharmacy said it's on back order, so I called my doctor's office and she started calling all of the pharmacies in the Springfield area, and they all had the same story," said Walsh.

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He said calling all of these pharmacies have become his daily routine and he wakes up in the middle of the night concerned that he will run out.

"Right now, I have 2 vials, which is about a week's worth left," said Walsh. "So today I have to start calling again and see if I can find more."

Every time Walsh calls the pharmacies, he hears stories of others doing the same thing. He was grateful for a law that went into effect at the beginning of 2024 capping insulin costs at 35 dollars a month for certain Americans. But he is concerned now that the restriction is causing the supply issues, because it's less profitable for companies to make insulin.

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Dale Colee at Dale's Southlake Pharmacy agrees that manufacturing changes are at the root of the problem. Colee said as people start to use diabetes medication like Ozempic for weight-loss, companies are turning their attention to the production of those medications.

"Some of the manufacturers have changed their direction from manufacturing insulin to these weight-loss type drugs, which is causing problems," said Colee. "This is going to go on for probably the next three or four months.

Colee said if you are struggling to find your medications, it's important to not panic and to inform your doctor, as you may be able to switch to a different form.