Tips to Make Diabetes Supplies More Affordable (According to People With Type 2 Diabetes)

Managing Type 2 diabetes can be costly, but Nikki Nurse and Roger Hare see it as an investment in their health. They’ve both found ways to get the most out of what they spend on diabetes care.

For example, Nikki sees a primary care doctor with a membership program, which charges a monthly fee. She’s able to access healthcare 24 hours a day, including dieticians and endocrinologists who help her understand how to manage her diabetes better.

In order to cut costs, Nikki uses GoodRx coupons, and talks to her doctor and pharmacist to see if they offer any discounts.

For Roger, buying testing supplies in bulk and doing comparison shopping has helped him manage the costs of diabetes. He’s also aware of nonprofit organizations that can help out with emergency supplies of diabetes medications, insulin, and testing supplies for free.

Both Nikki and Roger know that talking to their doctors about costs is crucial for staying healthy.

“Don't be afraid to share your financial situation with your doctor,” says Roger. “You’ll have a totally different experience if you do.”

You can read more about Nikki’s experience with Type 2 diabetes here, and more about Roger’s experience with Type 2 diabetes here.

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Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

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