Insulin Shortages: How to Stay Informed and Protected

Updated: September 23, 2025. T1DStrong will provide key information on diabetes medicine shortages throughout the year. As we receive new information, we will update this page.

Other insulin brands have also experienced strain. Certain long-acting insulins and biosimilars, including glargine products, have seen limited availability in some areas due to production and distribution delays. While the most severe shortages of 2024 appear to be easing, it’s still important for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to stay vigilant, as insulin remains an essential, life-saving therapy.

Here's What’s Improved: Humalog and Insulin Access

In early 2024, Lilly discontinued the 3 mL vials of Humalog. According to Physician's Weekly, the shortage had mostly affected the 10 mL vials, which were out of stock at wholesalers and some pharmacies. Lilly has now resumed shipping the 10 mL vials and expects to meet supply needs. While national supply has largely stabilized, some pharmacies may still experience delays or temporary stock issues.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and FDA drug shortage trackers do not currently list Humalog 10 mL as a widespread shortage.

However, some products — like Semglee (insulin glargine‑yfgn), a biosimilar “generic” version of Lantus — have experienced ongoing supply constraints. In some regions, there have also been temporary formula changes or switches to alternatives due to glargine supply issues.

Overall, most access challenges are now localized rather than the result of a nationwide shortage.

The Biggest Epidemic of the 21st Century

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared diabetes an epidemic 30 years ago. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 11.6% of the population has diabetes, rendering it a nationwide endemic, with over 1.2 million new cases each year. Also, an estimated 97.6 million Americans have prediabetes. Only 1.45 million Americans have T1D, but that number is expected to double worldwide by 2040.

With this prior knowledge, the question remains: how can insulin manufacturers keep up with the alarming need for this lifesaving drug.

What is Insulin?

Insulin is the hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas. It regulates glucose levels by helping blood sugar enter the body’s cells to be used for energy.

In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells, leaving individuals insulin-dependent to stay alive. Insulin treatment can be via multiple daily injections (MDI), insulin pens, insulin pumps or inhaled insulin. 

Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, resulting in hyperglycemia or high blood sugar, which can lead to serious complications like neuropathy (nerve damage), retinopathy (eye damage), and heart and kidney disease.

Ketones also build up in the bloodstream and urine, becoming acidic, causing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA can lead to dehydration, shock, and exhaustion. In severe instances, a patient may slip into a coma or even death.

What’s Still a Problem

Even though national supply of Humalog 10 mL vials has largely stabilized, localized shortages continue at some pharmacies. Patients who relied on discontinued vial sizes or prefilled pens may still face temporary access challenges.

Certain long‑acting insulins, especially biosimilars like Semglee (insulin glargine‑yfgn), remain in limited supply in some areas. These constraints can result from production delays, distribution issues, or regional formulary changes, and may require temporary switches to alternative insulin brands.

Patients should also be aware that insurance coverage and pharmacy availability can affect access, even when national supply is adequate. Staying in close communication with your healthcare team is essential to ensure uninterrupted insulin therapy.

Why the Shortage Continues

Concerns about insulin access arose in 2023 when federal regulations and patient advocacy led manufacturers to lower prices. Beginning in January 2024, the Inflation Reduction Act capped insulin cost-sharing at $35 per month. Eli Lilly, Sanofi, and Novo Nordisk all aligned their co-pays with this cap, significantly reducing the list price of insulin.

Eli Lilly spokesperson Tarsis Lopez explained that the previous shortages were due to “the dynamic nature of insulin supply and demand, coupled with brief delays in manufacturing.” While national supply of Humalog 10 mL vials has largely stabilized, some pharmacies may still experience temporary delays or localized stockouts.

Certain products remain in limited supply. For example, Novolin R Flexpens and Fiasp FlexTouch prefilled pens experienced backorders last year, though most regions have now resumed shipping. Additionally, some GLP-1 receptor agonist medications: including Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza, Saxenda, Byetta, and Bydureon, may continue to experience supply constraints into 2025.

What You Can Do

Keep Your Prescriptions Up to Date

T1Ds should keep prescriptions for insulin, test strips, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) supplies current. Order refills as soon as your insurance allows to ensure coverage in an emergency.

Check Other Pharmacies‍

‍Know the brand, dosage, and frequency of your insulin in case you need to switch pharmacies. Contact your insurance company to identify other in-network pharmacies that may have stock.

Consider Alternative Insulin Brands

‍Talk to your healthcare team about alternative fast-acting insulin options for emergencies, such as:

• Novolog
• Admelog
• Fiasp
• Lyumjev

Check with your insurance to confirm coverage for alternative brands. Aligning these decisions with your healthcare provider is important, as some patients may experience side effects, like rashes, with certain insulins.

Pre-Filled Insulin Pens

‍Discuss with your healthcare team the option of switching to pre-filled pens. While the 10 mL Humalog vials are largely available again, pre-filled pens remain a convenient alternative. For insulin pump users, pens can be used temporarily by drawing insulin into a syringe for pump use. Switching to pens or multiple daily injections (MDI) can help bridge any short-term supply gaps.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Eli Lilly said in a recent statement, they understand that the need for insulin amongst its users is vital and that it takes its responsibility to supply these medicines seriously. Lilly also said, “Any supply challenge may cause a disruption in people’s treatment regimens, and we are moving urgently to address it.”

Switching insulin brands or delivery methods is not conducive to many T1D lives. This hardship will affect households worldwide.

Reach out to your elected representatives and manufacturers and let them know this is more than a minor inconvenience – lives are at stake. You can contact legislators by email or phone. If you are unsure of your congressional district or need help finding your representative, go to house.gov.

Let’s hope this problem is addressed as swiftly as promised. Meanwhile, watch the news, keep up with your prescriptions, stay vigilant with your insulin therapy, speak with your healthcare team for alternative insulin treatment in an emergency, and let your voice be heard.