KENTUCKY — We’re talking about National Diabetes Month, which takes place every year, during the month of November. It’s a time when communities across the country and right here in the Bluegrass state team up to bring attention to diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 37 million Americans, including adults and youth. And just under 14% of Kentuckians. Diabetes can also cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and is linked to some types of cancer. 

State Representative Patti Minter (D-Warren County), co-sponsored House Bill 12, during the 2020 legislative session that would make access to insulin easier for Kentuckians. The law took effect in January of 2021.

"This bill and it's now law kept the cost of insulin at $30. Or 30 day supply for people in state insurance plans and state regulated plans. So this catches thousands of Kentuckians. And this is this is a wonderful bill and it's a wonderful law... People simply could not afford a drug that only costs $5 or $6 to manufacture, but there being charged up to $250 for a month's supply," explains Minter.

The new piece of legislation is also personal to Minter, as her son, Alex, has Type 1 Diabetes and was diagnosed at just 19 months old.

"My son's insulin was $250 a month. Now, it's $30 for 30, so it's a very good start to improve access to insulin for all Kentuckians," adds Minter.

You can watch the full In Focus segment in the player above.