When an individual with type 1 diabetes (T1D) administers insulin to control their blood sugar levels, they want to feel confident that no matter what U.S. retail pharmacy they purchased their insulin from, it will work. Differences in consistency and potency of insulin could have a detrimental impact on patient health and their ability to manage their T1D.

A recent study looked at samples of human and analog insulin products from across manufacturers and found that they were all correctly labeled and contained the expected quantity of active insulin. Since individuals with T1D rely on insulin injections multiple times per day, it can be reassuring to know that the product they are using adheres to how it is labeled.

The study was a joint effort between JDRF, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. The study was conducted within a single year, so now the team is looking to expand to a second phase that measures for any variations again, this time looking at “potential seasonal variations in reported insulin activity.”

Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) is proud to see that manufacturers are producing quality insulin products that meet consistency and potency standards. Worrying about the quality of their insulin is not something that individuals with T1D should have to do. The DRC supports early-career scientists in pursuing novel, peer-reviewed research focused on the prevention and cure of type 1 diabetes as well as minimizing complications and improving quality of life for individuals living with the disease. To learn more, visit http://localhost/drc.