Final answer:
The question pertains to the medical transition of a patient to insulin, which is made possible through recombinant DNA technology and is important for managing type 2 diabetes. Insulin injections are prescribed when other treatments like medication and lifestyle changes are not sufficient in controlling blood glucose levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question concerns the transition of a 22-year-old patient from oral agents to insulin for the treatment of diabetes. This falls under the field of Medicine and is relevant to students in the College grade level. The technology that makes the purchase of human insulin from a pharmacist possible is recombinant DNA technology. This has been a significant advancement because previously, insulin was extracted from animals, which could cause allergic reactions and was not as effective for human use. Recombinant DNA technology allows for the production of insulin that is structurally identical to human insulin, reducing the risk of side effects and improving the management of blood glucose levels. For patients with type 2 diabetes like Arya and Mohinder's father, medications may support pancreatic function or insulin's effectiveness, but if these measures are insufficient, insulin injections are necessary to control blood glucose levels.
An endocrinologist would be able to prescribe these injections after considering lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight loss, and a healthy diet, which are crucial in managing the disease. Moreover, ongoing research such as islet transplant studies holds promise for future treatments that may eliminate the need for insulin injections for diabetic patients.