In this urgent episode of Stay Off My Operating Table, Dr. Philip Ovadia and guest Alison Smart discuss the critical issue of Levemir insulin discontinuation. Smart, a passionate advocate, reveals how this decision by Novo Nordisk threatens the health of over a million diabetes patients, particularly pregnant women, and calls listeners to action in the fight to keep this vital medication available.

KEY POINTS

• Levemir's unique properties make it essential for precise diabetes management, especially for pregnant women and those requiring tight blood sugar control
• The discontinuation of Levemir could have global implications, affecting millions of patients worldwide
• Congressional action is needed to prevent the discontinuation and ensure continued access to this crucial insulin option
• Listeners can support the cause by contacting their representatives and supporting the Alliance to Protect Insulin Choice

RESOURCES 

• Alliance to Protect Insulin Choice website: https://www.alliancetoprotectinsulin.org/
• GoFundMe page for the Alliance to Protect Insulin Choice (link not provided in transcript)
• YouTube video explaining the importance of Levemir (link not provided in transcript)

TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 - Introduction and background on Levemir discontinuation
00:05:30 - Explaining Levemir's importance and how it differs from other insulins
00:15:45 - Advocacy efforts and challenges faced
00:25:20 - Impact on pregnant women and gestational diabetes
00:35:10 - How listeners can help and take action

CONNECT
• Alison Smart:
  - Facebook: Alliance to Protect Insulin Choice
  - Instagram: Alliance to Protect Insulin Choice
  - Twitter: @insulinchoice

GUEST BIO
Alison Smart is a dedicated advocate for insulin choice and mother of a daughter with Type 1 diabetes. She founded the Alliance to Protect Insulin Choice after learning about the planned discontinuation of Levemir insulin. Smart has been actively lobbying senators and congressional representatives to prevent the removal of this crucial medica

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Theme Song : Rage Against
Written & Performed by Logan Gritton & Colin Gailey
(c) 2016 Mercury Retro Recordings

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