Diabetics suffer because of cartoons

I was avoiding talking about this whole thing because it seemed so obviously ridiculous and hypocritical what is happening surrounding the cartoon fiasco. But then I read an article in The Economist, Feb. 11, 2006, titled "When markets melt away; Consumer boycotts."

"Other affected firms range from Novo Nordisk, a leading insulin-maker that reports a slump in use of its products by Saudi pharmacies and hospitals ... "

Of course, I had to research this further, as a type 1 diabetic whose quality of life is greatly increased by Novalog, a type of insluin made by the very company that the Saudi doctors are boycotting.

Perhaps I can provide some more context for this situation: It's not like boycotting Danish cookies or LEGOs. I doubt little Saudi children are going to cry for long when they don't get the new LEGO Star Wars B-wing Fighter collection for their birthdays. And I have enough confidance in Muslim women to find a good pastry recipe to make up for the lack of Danishes.

But insulin? Really?

I thought doctors had a code of ethics to adhere to. What about that episode of West Wing where an Iranian doctor had to save the son of the Ayatollah even though his father (or uncle) had been killed by the Ayatollah's men?

Here's what I know about the insulin they are boycotting:

In my decade of having insulin-dependant diabetes, Novo Nordisk has the cheapest insulin (the brand Novolin is made by Novo Nordisk and is generally cheaper than Lilly brand insulins).

Novo Nordisk is responsible for advancements in insulin effectiveness and dispension.

Novalog is the kind of insulin I take- it is a fast-acting insulin that is almost identical to human insulin and starts to work almost immediately.

Novalog is recommended for insulin pump systems- an innovation in insulin dispension that makes the lives of type 1 diabetics a lot easier, not to mention stave off complications such as liver conditions, foot amputations, blindness and early death.

I would not give up my Novo Nordisk products for any amount of offense a cartoon can cause.

Expect further research on this subject; I will most likely not give it up.

But for now, I say: Shame on you Saudi doctors who are allowing politics to affect the health of your citizens. (My heart always goes out to fellow type 1 diabetics.)