I’ll be honest; I usually steer clear of Trump’s press conferences because they tend to frustrate me. His lack of knowledge and tendency to belittle reporters really puts a damper on my day. However, I stumbled upon his recent remarks about insulin, and I have a lot to say about it.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Trump announced that starting next year, many seniors on Medicare will be able to buy their insulin for $35 a month or less. That’s a positive development, considering the exorbitant cost of insulin. As someone living with type 1 diabetes who relies on insulin for survival, I fully support efforts to make it more affordable. However, during this same conference, Trump 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.” It’s astonishing that the President of the United States has no clue what insulin is, yet seems to think he has a case of “insulin FOMO.”
I shouldn’t be surprised, honestly. This is the same individual who claimed to take hydroxychloroquine, a drug meant for malaria, despite a lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness against COVID-19. He’s also pondered at press conferences whether heat, sunlight, or injecting disinfectants could be effective against the virus. It’s clear we’re not dealing with a healthcare expert here.
Later in the same briefing, after Vice President Harris and Trump congratulated themselves for the “tremendous” work they’re doing, Surgeon General Roberts addressed Trump’s comments about insulin. He explained, “Your body, Mr. President, actually produces insulin naturally. People like you and me make our own insulin. So, yes, we do utilize insulin, but we create it ourselves.” Trump’s response? A simple “Ah.”
As is often the case, Trump managed to make the conversation all about himself: his accomplishments, his desires, and his administration’s supposed greatness. He boasted that insulin prices would “come tumbling down” for seniors, thanks to his administration’s efforts to create a “competitive situation” by bringing together “insurers, manufacturers, and other key players.”
Here’s a reality check: diabetes isn’t a condition exclusive to seniors. Anyone can develop diabetes requiring insulin, and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 24. While I’m glad seniors on Medicare will benefit from reduced insulin costs, it’s clear that Trump’s motivations are not purely altruistic. He’s not lowering prices out of concern for those affected—he’s doing it for political reasons.
Trump stated, “This is a big day for seniors. This is a tremendous saving. And it allows people that—if you don’t take insulin—you can go blind, have a stroke, face amputation, kidney failure, and other issues.” He added, “I hope seniors remember this, because Biden is the one who put us in this jam with their incompetence.” Yes, he wants seniors to “remember” this when they vote. It’s a strategy to gain their support—not a genuine concern for people with diabetes.
It’s infuriating that Trump, who is apparently unaware of what insulin truly is, is using the suffering of millions as a political pawn. The reality is that diabetes is a challenging disease to manage. Reports indicate some diabetics are even driving to Canada to buy more affordable insulin, as prices have skyrocketed by 1000% in the past two decades. Many people are forced to ration their insulin, risking their lives.
For those of us with diabetes, the cost of insulin is critical. I need it to survive, and I can’t simply choose to go without it. Alternative treatments won’t save me. My insulin alone costs about $2400 for a 90-day supply, not including other essential diabetes management supplies.
During the press conference, Surgeon General Roberts mentioned that around seven million people depend on insulin, with 1.6 million of them having type 1 diabetes. However, I am not optimistic that prices will be lowered for all. It seems Trump is only focused on helping those he believes will cast their votes for him, leaving out many, including children suffering from type 1 diabetes.
It’s disheartening to see yet another headline about diabetes, especially amid a pandemic. It’s simply ridiculous that the leader of the free world questions whether he needs to start using insulin while millions of us struggle to afford it.
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In summary, Trump’s lack of understanding about insulin and diabetes is alarming. While he touts reduced costs for seniors, the broader issue of insulin pricing remains unaddressed, affecting millions of Americans, including many who are not seniors. His focus appears more political than compassionate, leaving many vulnerable individuals feeling neglected.
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