The next time you're tempted to curse the inconvenience of your diabetes control regimen...well, go ahead. Hey, you're entitled! And who am I to preach? But do spare a thought for all those people in the world who go without entirely, either because they can't afford the medical technology they need or because the meds are in short supply.

Zimbabwe, for example, is currently in the midst of a critical shortage of diabetes medicine. According to a report posted on the website AllAfrica, the insulin medication Actraphane is not available in nearly all the pharmacies of the city of Harare. Even major hospitals do not have the drug in stock and hospital officials are quoted as saying they have been searching unsuccessfully for the drug.

When diabetes drugs are in supply in a country like Zimbabwe, people then have to face the fact that prices are often extremely high. Locals blame overseas drug companies for the high prices and they also blame their own government for not ensuring such essentials are manufactured locally, in order to ensure a constant supply. Whatever the case, it's a mess.