In a world where medical breakthroughs can feel distant, there’s a quiet plea of those longing for relief.
The Unfulfilled Promise of Medical Care Abroad
Picture this: you sit in a doctor’s office, seeking relief for your child’s Type 1 Diabetes.
Initially, you hope for a cure. When that hope fades, you cling to the chance for a better life. An easier life than the one that your child has been dealt.
The doctor, well-meaning, suggests a breakthrough treatment—but the medical care is only available in another country.
Sadly, this scenario isn’t rare. For many parents in my community, it’s a recurring heartache.
The Weight of Words
Of course these physicians mean well, but their words carry so much weight. They mention your child could have “controlled diabetes” and “great blood sugars” if you can access “this newest insulin” or “that device” that is only available in “That Country”.
Once these parents go home, do the search and ask their communities about these ‘gold standard’ treatments that are not available to them, it can deepen the feelings of inadequacy, depression and anxiety in parents who are already blaming themselves for their child’s condition.
Prescribing inaccessible treatments only deepens these wounds and adds to their financial burden.
Global Promise, Local Limits
It’s a stark paradox.
In cities where global offerings are at our fingertips in so many areas, the same cities still sometimes lag behind in certain treatments. There’s no magical part of the world offering the best and latest developments in every kind of medical care.
Reasons vary, and things are moving quickly, but the gap between borders and medical advancements often remains.
Acknowledging Privilege and Desperation
I don’t dismiss the importance of global medical progress or the privilege of accessing it. But we must bridge the gap between privilege and desperation.
In the excitement of new treatments, those who prescribe them should not forget the emotional, physical, and financial costs of seeking care abroad, and the even larger impact it has on those who cannot.
The Ripple Effect
Healthcare providers must consider the broader impact. Stress from unattainable treatments affects disease management at home.
Parents, realizing the ‘best’ isn’t within their reach, often feel inadequate and like they have failed their child.
The literature continues to show us that a parent’s emotional toll significantly impacts their child’s clinical outcomes.
What Can You Do?
Dear medical professionals, please remember that your words carry weight beyond your clinic. They can inspire or deflate, encourage resilience or incite desperation.
Let empathy guide your recommendations.
It is important to prescribe and recommend what is needed at the right place and time, and remember that not everyone can afford to be in the “right place”.
Progress isn’t about halting innovation but ensuring it benefits everyone. We need medical excellence to be accessible and affordable for all. The world still desperately needs accessible insulin for everyone.
If you are practicing in a country where insulin is available, please help the community to continue to advocate for improved access to insulin for others.
And please, please reassure your patients and their families that despite not having the most recent insulin or device release, a life with diabetes is still a beautiful one.
