Diabetes is a common health condition that affects many people around us. Many students at YLHS know someone or are someone with this condition. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is where the pancreas produces little to no insulin. Type 2 is where the body has difficulties processing glucose. Both types are serious and require medical attention. 

A common type of medicine for type 2 diabetes is Metformin. It can help keep  blood sugar at a healthy level. It comes as tablets you take with or after meals. Many people also take insulin shots, which are injected into your body because it cannot be taken in a pill form. The FDA states that the medication Ozempic is currently in a shortage. This is because of a viral TikTok trend. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports the shortages of 0.25 mg, 5 mg doses, 1 mg as well as 2 mg doses. Many Influencers on TikTok are showing off their weight loss with before-and-after pictures, giving credit to ‘Ozempic’ for their rapid weight loss. Families who need this medication are not able to buy it for their loved ones because others are misusing it. Eating healthy and getting exercise are two obvious ways of losing weight instead of medication. For instance, you can go on a 10 minute walk outside, or explore healthy recipes to eat. 

Savannah Cheng (9) states that “Scarlett is my close friend and I have known her for over 5 years, and the thought of her not getting her medication is heartbreaking.” Scarlett is currently a senior and has been taking diabetes medication for years.

Diabetic medication should be used for the correct purposes. According to the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) Ozempic is scheduled to be back in stock by early 2023, but that may be too late for some people with diabetes. My grandfather has diabetes, and he has to have insulin shots twice a day. My family would be very stressed if he could not get his prescribed medicine. My aunt has diabetes  and takes Ozempic as well. The thought of her not being able to get her weekly shot worries me. Many other families like mine are struggling through this issue. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for them.