NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The rising cost of insulin has angered people with diabetes across the country. For some people, inhaling insulin is more affordable.
Ashley Gootee uses inhaling insulin, and she said it has improved her quality of life. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was a toddler.
"It allows me to have a more steady blood sugar faster," Gootee said, "These manufacturers of the insulin are just raising the prices, when I need this to survive."
Recently she started using Afrezza as her rapid-acting insulin. Gootee still has to inject insulin in addition to inhaling insulin. However, Dr. Rodney Snow at Heritage Medical Associates said every case is different. "Now for type 2 diabetics who may not require long-acting subcutaneous insulin, but are just struggling to handle their meals, you can just add an inhaled Afrezza," Snow said.
As advocates continue fighting against the rising price of insulin, Gootee is thankful there's another option available.
"I can now take it after I eat because it acts so fast, which just gives me flexibility, less planning. I still have to carb count but just that one snippet of kind of normal life," Gootee said.
Afrezza's parent company, MannKind Corporation, offers a savings program for people who have a high copay. Fortunately, Gootee said she has a good insurance plan.
"It costs me about $15 a month with one of their copay cards, but I know that they do have a cash program where it’s about $5 a day," Gootee said, "For people that are using long-acting insulin injectables, and then also this could be their fast-acting insulin for $150 a month— that’s without insurance."
If you would like to learn more about the savings deal you can go here.
