Final answer:
Pharmacists require a doctorate in pharmacy and must be licensed to dispense drugs, including needles and syringes, and advise on their safe use. The production of synthetic human insulin for diabetic patients is made possible by recombinant DNA technology. The FDA's regulations ensure drug safety and efficacy but can cause delays in drug availability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pharmacists, under strict regulations, may only sell needles and syringes to customers who provide appropriate proof of their need. This rule is to prevent infections and harm among drug addicts and protect those at high risk of needle sticks, such as phlebotomists and dentists. The technology enabling diabetic patients to purchase human insulin, which is a boon over previous methods, is recombinant DNA technology, leading to the production of synthetic human insulin. This technology has revolutionized diabetes management by providing a consistent and pure form of insulin.
Moreover, pharmacists play a critical role in healthcare by dispensing drugs, advising on their use, and helping to ensure patient safety. They require extensive knowledge in both chemistry and biology to understand the effects drugs have on the body. With this knowledge, they can provide crucial information on drug selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a protective role by regulating medicines, which ensures safety and efficacy but can also result in some companies and patients facing delays in accessing new treatments due to the extended drug approval process.