Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to naturally regulate the body’s blood sugar, leaving diagnosed individuals with a life-long dependency on costly medical insulin. Even for individuals who have sufficient insurance, access to health care, and stable employment, the costs of managing Type 1 Diabetes can put a significant dent in a family’s monthly budget.
For individuals in underserved and underinsured communities, this could mean having to choose between purchasing life-sustaining insulin for their child or food for their family.