Experts speak at diabetes conference in Naples

Reducing the cost of insulin in Southwest Florida is one of the many issues under discussion in Naples on Sunday at the 5th Annual Diabetes and Wellness Conference. It is an issue affecting millions of people in our state at one of the most comprehensive conferences on diabetes.

All proceeds stay locally in Southwest Florida to provide diabetes medical supplies, insulin and services for children in need through the Help a Diabetic Child Foundation. Several speakers and presenters will be in attendance to speak on treatment, prevention and research in the field of diabetes.

With over 2 million people in Florida with diabetes, there is a need for insulin to survive. People see a rise in the price of something that could mean life or death. Recent laws passed in other states have put a limit on the price of insulin. For instance, Colorado recently passed into law a cap on insulin costs, ensuring that people with diabetes there will not pay more than $100 a month for the drug.

Victor Claar, a professor of economics at Florida Gulf Coast University, said our state could follow along with a caveat. “You can make a law that pharmaceutical companies can’t charge more than $100,” he said, “but it really doesn’t address the fundamental problem and the fundamental problem is a lack of competition in the medical marketplace.”

The 5th Annual Diabetes and Wellness Conference will offer breakout sessions and separate tracks for those interested in Type 1, Type 2 and pre-diabetes, children with diabetes or health and wellness. The conference begins at 10 a.m. Tickets range from $20 to $45 for the event held in the Allen & Marla Weiss Health Services Hall at Florida SouthWestern State College.