On World Diabetes Day, we shine a spotlight on a glaring injustice: millions of people with diabetes in low- and middle-income countries are denied access to affordable insulin pens—a delivery method that could save and transform lives. Pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi have monopolized the diabetes market, prioritizing profit over people. It’s time to demand change. It’s time to make it right.

Insulin pens are a critical tool for managing diabetes, preferred by 82% of people due to their accuracy, ease of use, and reduced stigma compared to vials and syringes, according to a survey from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and T1International. Yet, in low- and middle-income countries, these pens remain out of reach. Novo Nordisk’s recent decision to halt distribution of their insulin pens in South Africa has worsened the crisis, forcing many to revert to vials and syringes. Stoppin distribution of an essential medicine to a country is horrifying and unacceptable.

Without access to these tools, people living with diabetes in South Africa who were used to using insulin pens now face increased difficulty managing their condition, leading to higher risks of complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia. The stress and uncertainty of not having reliable insulin administration can also exacerbate the emotional and mental strain of living with diabetes.

Novo Nordisk announced a plan to gradually end production of human insulin pens all together across the globe. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk continues to focus on producing high-priced diabetes and obesity drugs for wealthier markets, fueling a double standard in diabetes care. This stark inequality and double standard of diabetes care has no place in the fight for health justice.

On World Diabetes Day, we picketed Novo Nordisk in Johannesburg, South Africa, alongside partners Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Treatment Action Campaign, and Santé Diabète, delivering a petition demanding that insulin pens be priced at $1 each. Research shows that these insulin pens could be sold at a profit even at $0.94 per pen.

This action is part of a broader call to stop profiteering from diabetes. While millions of people struggle to access basic treatment, Novo Nordisk is projected to earn over €37 billion in 2024, spending billions on stock buybacks instead of making lifesaving medicines affordable.

Another way that T1International is addressing this double standard of diabetes care is through the World Health Organization. T1International submitted a proposal for rapid-acting insulin to be added to the Essential Medicines List. This is a crucial step toward recognizing insulin as a global health priority and ensuring equitable access worldwide. Public consultations are coming soon, providing an opportunity for advocates and allies to join the fight.

Take Action
The demand is simple: #insulin4all. Stand with us to hold pharmaceutical corporations accountable to make it right.

You can still take action to call on Novo Nordisk, along with Eli Lilly and Sanofi, to lower the price of insulin particularly in low- and middle-income countries by signing our petition.