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At least in some states you can buy a form of insulin over the counter. It is an older formulation and apparently it is not the easiest thing to DYI figure out the correct dose. NPR had a report on it a while back. http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/12/14/45904732...

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A fair enough statement: "The broader availability of [over-the-counter] insulin allows patients with diabetes to obtain it "quickly in urgent situations, without delays," the FDA says, and is intended to increase patient safety."

However, it seems like there are no visible protocols in place to control use in non-emergency situations like with the patient mentioned in the NYTimes article. That's certainly risky for poorer diabetics who don't necessarily know better, or are desperate enough financially to risk the long-term consequences.

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