Community Views: Managing the Cost of Type 2 Diabetes

Affording supplies and prescription drugs for managing type 2 diabetes can be challenging. The costs can be high and difficult to afford.

To learn more about how the community navigates these obstacles, we turned to followers of our Facebook page. We asked community members to tell us: “Type 2 diabetes is expensive. How do you manage the costs?”

Tips for managing the cost of type 2 diabetes

Members of our great community had some excellent insights to share!

Shopping smart

One way many of you hold down costs is by shopping smart. Taking time to comparison shop helps you find the best deals on insulin, test strips, meters, and needles. Community members consistently mentioned Walmart and Amazon for low-cost options. You also shop smart for groceries, buy in bulk, cook in batches, and go to multiple stores to get the best prices.

"Walmart has the best deal on insulin that I’ve found anywhere."

“I buy my test strips and lancets at Walmart over-the-counter.”

“I bought a cheap meter and strips off Amazon.”

“I cook in batches. Chop and prep once. Take lunch to work. Shop more than 1 store, look for sales.”

Insurance and coupons

Those with good insurance plans expressed gratitude for having coverage for type 2 diabetes drugs and supplies. Those who are uninsured or underinsured recommend discount cards and programs offered by drug companies. This helps make supplies more affordable.

“Insurance and coupons. Go to their website and get discount cards.”

“I look for as many manufacturer's coupons as possible.”

"There are vouchers you can get. I’ve also called the company that makes the medicine and asked them for assistance.”

Diet and exercise

Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise help many of you manage your type 2 diabetes. Better management of the disease results in lower costs for treatment.

“ A low carb diet helps a lot.”

“I cut out all sugar, exercise, and drink lots of water. My A1C has improved so much by doing this that my doctor is getting ready to possibly take me off the oral med.”

“I try to make as many dietary adjustments as I can. It is not easy, but I try!”

“Eating healthy and exercising helps a lot."

Sacrificing

The cost of drugs and supplies for managing type 2 diabetes forces some difficult choices. Cutting out “extras” in the budget and choosing between drugs and groceries are real choices many must make. You sacrifice a lot with this disease.

“I did without groceries.”

“No extras. No trips, anywhere. I drive a 13-year-old CUV with 340K miles on it.”

“I stopped buying medication.”

“I don’t test as often."

Global differences

While Type2Diabetes.com's parent company, Health Union, is based in the United States, we have community members who live around the world. We received several responses from members who live in other countries. Type 2 diabetes costs look different for them.

“My friend gets my medications for me in Mexico for $70. For the same thing in the United States, it’s $800.”

“I left the United States. My insulin was $1,100 per 3 pens. I have the same medication (with no insurance) where I am now for €100 ($120) for 3 pens.”

“You don’t have to pay in the United Kingdom as it’s classed as a long-term illness.”

“I’m Canadian. Absolutely all costs are covered.”

“Here in New Zealand, we pay $5 per prescription, but after 20 items (per household), you get a prescription subsidy, and they become free.”

We appreciate everyone who shared their tips for managing the cost of type 2 diabetes. Thank you for being part of the community!