Novo Nordisk is expanding access to its weight loss and diabetes medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, by selling them at Costco pharmacies nationwide. A one-month supply of either drug will cost $499 out of pocket for Costco members with a prescription, a move designed to compete with compounding pharmacies. While the price is the same as offered through other retailers, the expanded availability aims to improve access, despite the fact that cost and insurance coverage remain significant barriers for many, especially those with lower incomes who may benefit most from these medications. Recent research highlighting the drugs’ potential benefits for conditions like stroke and heart health further underscores the importance of wider accessibility.
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FDA Commissioner Marty Makary controversially suggested that cooking classes might be a more effective diabetes treatment than insulin alone, despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting insulin’s safety and efficacy. This statement promotes a report from the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” commission, which advocates for a proactive healthcare system. However, the commission, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced criticism for promoting unsubstantiated claims regarding vaccines, fluoride, and food dyes. Makary’s remarks thus align with a broader initiative criticized for prioritizing unproven approaches over established medical consensus.
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Thirty-nine-year-old actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and *Gossip Girl*, passed away in February in her New York City apartment. The New York City medical examiner’s office determined her death was a natural result of complications from diabetes. No autopsy was conducted, but toxicology reports confirmed the cause of death. Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in her home.
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As a Type 1 Diabetic, reading the story of a man suffering a diabetic emergency who was subjected to police violence at Walmart sends chills down my spine. It hits close to home, as I have experienced severe lows that leave me disoriented and unable to comprehend my surroundings. The fear that this could happen to me, a loved one, or anyone in the Diabetic community is a chilling reality that we have to live with.
The fact that police officers, individuals who are supposed to protect and serve, resorted to excessive force in a situation that clearly required medical attention is beyond comprehension.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker