Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to provide all individuals with necessary health services, removing financial obstacles.
Key Points of UHC According to World Health Organization (WHO):
- Health as a human right – Ensuring quality healthcare for all, regardless of economic or social status.
- Financial protection – Preventing health expenses from causing poverty.
- Primary healthcare – Essential for establishing UHC.
- Equity and inclusivity – Reaching out to vulnerable populations.
- Government Commitment – Showing strong political will and providing public funding.
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) alignment – Aiming for complete coverage by 2030 under SDG 3.
WHO supports UHC by helping to strengthen health systems, offering financial advice, and monitoring progress.
Advantages of UHC for Individuals with Diabetes
UHC offers affordable, accessible care for managing diabetes and preventing complications.
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and UHC
The IDF strives to ensure equal access to diabetes care through global UHC policies.
UHC is essential for effective diabetes management and prevention of related issues.
Recent initiatives aim to tackle the high costs of medications, particularly insulin.
The suggested laws aim to limit copay, but lack a true price cap on insulin.
Action is crucial to ensure insulin affordability and accessibility for all in need.
Collaborative global endeavors are necessary to guarantee fair access to essential diabetes care and insulin.
A human rights perspective empowers patients and drives policies towards fair healthcare.
Financial Interests Statement
The authors disclose no competing financial interests affecting their work.
References
Skempes D, Stucki G, Bickenbach J. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 Jan;96(1):163-73. PMID: 25130185
Chawla KS, Rutkow L, Garber K, Kushner AL, Stewart BT. World J Surg. 2017 May;41(5):1208-1217. doi: 10.1007/s00268-016-3866-6. PMID: 28180984 Review.
Durojaye E. Glob Public Health. 2018 Oct;13(10):1399-1408. doi: 10.1080/17441692.2017.1377745. Epub 2017 Sep 20. PMID: 28931349
Baer B, Bhushan A, Taleb HA, Vasquez J, Thomas R. Gerontologist. 2016 Apr;56 Suppl 2:S206-17. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnw039. PMID: 26994261 Review.
For more information on the topic, please refer to the following resources:
Further References
Boulton AJM, Jenkins AJ, Makkar B, Mankovsky B, Abera MA, Tesfaye S. Diabetologia. 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1007/s00125-025-06406-6. PMID: 40234304 Review.
Vanderniet JA, Jenkins AJ, Donaghue KC. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2022 Oct;24(10):1455-1465. doi: 10.1007/s11886-022-01762-w. PMID: 35976602 Review.
Kodani N, Kato A, Lee MK, Ma RCW, Sabidi A, Scibilia R, Zhou Z, Jenkins A. J Diabetes Investig. 2025 Jul;16(7):1191-1201. doi: 10.1111/jdi.70084. PMID: 40421836 Free PMC article. Review.
Diabetes care advocacy plays a crucial role in ensuring access to quality care and support for individuals living with diabetes. Advocates work to raise awareness about the importance of proper diabetes management, provide education and resources to those in need, and advocate for policy changes that benefit the diabetes community.
By advocating for diabetes care, we can help improve the quality of life for people with diabetes, reduce complications, and ultimately work towards a world where diabetes is better understood and managed.
Diabetes Statistics and Advocacy Initiatives
Approximately 136 million Americans live with diabetes or prediabetes. Certain communities lack sufficient healthcare and resources for healthy lifestyles. Diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition in the US, underscoring the importance of healthcare access as a universal right. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is working towards universal diabetes care.
It is estimated that diabetes costs the US over $327 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. This staggering figure highlights the need for increased awareness, prevention, and management of diabetes. The ADA advocates for policies that promote access to affordable healthcare, diabetes education programs, and support for healthy lifestyle choices.
In addition to advocacy efforts, the ADA provides resources such as support groups, educational materials, and research funding to improve diabetes care and outcomes. By raising awareness and supporting research initiatives, the ADA aims to empower individuals with diabetes to take control of their health and lead fulfilling lives.
ADA Programs and Awareness Campaigns
ADA offers initiatives like Project Power and ADA Camp, as well as fundraising events like Tour de Cure and Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes for diabetes education and awareness.
Risk of diabetes higher for individuals earning less than $80K/year
Americans with diabetes lack regular access to healthy foods
Diagnosed diabetes leads to 2.6 times higher medical expenses on average
Community Advocacy and Awareness Efforts
From Project Power and ADA Camp to events like Tour de Cure and Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, ADA actively promotes diabetes awareness and education within communities.
Aimee Picchi serves as the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, specializing in business and personal finance. Formerly with Bloomberg News, she has contributed to USA Today and Consumer Reports.
Updated on: April 12, 2022 / 5:20 PM EDT / MoneyWatch
The exorbitant cost of insulin has prompted Congressional hearings and demands for change from diabetic individuals and patient advocates. Many Americans are unable to afford insulin, sparking human rights concerns highlighted by Human Rights Watch.
Insulin prices in the US are notably higher than in other developed countries, with significant hikes by major insulin manufacturers like Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi.
Pharmaceutical Industry Responses
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America have expressed objections to the report’s characterization, stressing the need for systemic changes to benefit patients.
Eli Lilly has noted a reduction in monthly out-of-pocket expenses for insulin and a commitment to providing affordability solutions while advocating for policy reforms to enhance access.
Challenges in Medication Affordability
Call for Action
The steep cost of insulin in the US impedes equal access to crucial medications, violating human rights principles and perpetuating discrimination. Pharmaceutical companies have a duty to uphold human rights and ensure their practices do not contribute to abuses.
It is imperative that legislators take action by enacting laws to provide free insulin to all individuals in the country who rely on it. This would not only ensure equal access to this life-saving medication but also uphold the fundamental human right to healthcare.