The need for a lifesaving medication is seeing more Americans cross the border into Canada.
Border cities like Windsor are seeing more American diabetic patients looking for insulin.
Advocates with the 'Caravans to Canada' campaign largely blame the U.S. for-profit medical system for the drastic price discrepancy.
Jillian Rippolone is a Type 1 diabetic from Royal Oak, Michigan who needs insulin daily to balance blood sugars. She recently crossed into Windsor for her supply and says "It's just kind of like a right, it's a human right to have access to insulin and we can't get it in the United States,"
Vials of insulin, one purchased in the U.S. and one in Canada, have a price discrepancy of more than $300 which has seen more Americans come to Canada for the cheaper prices of the lifesaving medication. (Ricardo Veneza/CTV Windsor)
According to Rippolone, many Americans are unable to afford prices in their country, that can be as much as 10 times more expensive than in Canada.
"The Novalog retail price in the United States is up to $350 a vile versus here in Canada you have Novarapid, which is the same brand and same manufacturer for a retail price of $40."
In addition to Canada, the ‘caravans’ see Americans with diabetes also traveling to Mexico.
Pharmacists like Windsor’s Richard Yee doesn't expect it to slow down anytime soon, saying "I don't see in the near future that they should be worried about a shortage of insulin."
Health experts think the campaign is gaining enough steam to pressure legislators and drug companies to make a change. American drug companies claim to be working on lowering prices while some politicians are pushing for the same.