I need insulin.
in-su-LI-na — four syllables, stress on third. International medical term, same root in most languages.
Critical phrase for diabetic patients. Insulin requires a prescription in Italy but emergency dispensing protocols exist.
'Ho bisogno di insulina' is a direct, urgent request. Insulin is a prescription medication in Italy — you need a 'ricetta del medico' or an 'impegnativa' (specialist referral prescription) for SSN reimbursement. Types to know: 'insulina rapida' (fast-acting), 'insulina lenta' (long-acting), 'insulina mista' (mixed).
Sono rimasto senza insulina in viaggio.
I ran out of insulin while travelling.
Emergency situation — Italian pharmacies have protocols for urgent insulin dispensing
Ho bisogno anche delle siringhe per l'insulina.
I also need syringes for insulin.
Insulin syringes and pen needles are sold at pharmacies — no prescription for needles
Il mio penna per insulina è rotta.
My insulin pen is broken.
'Penna per insulina' = insulin pen device — pharmacies stock replacement pens
Italian pharmacies can dispense insulin without prescription in emergencies ('dispensazione d'urgenza') under Article 32 of Law 833/1978. Diabetic patients in Italy receive insulin and testing supplies free through the SSN with a 'piano terapeutico' (care plan) from a diabetologist. Italy has about 3.5 million diagnosed diabetic patients. The EHIC card entitles EU tourists to emergency insulin access at public pharmacy prices.