Smarter Ways To Cut the Cost of Diabetes Care and Supplies

Managing diabetes already takes energy, planning, and daily attention. Adding rising costs for insulin, test strips, devices, and appointments can make it feel overwhelming. Many people quietly skip doses, stretch test strips, or delay visits because they are worried about money, even though they know it could affect their health.

There are ways to reduce these costs, ask better questions, and make more informed choices. This guide walks through practical, non-medical strategies to help you save on diabetes medical supplies and treatment while staying focused on your long-term well-being.

Understanding Where Diabetes Costs Come From

Before looking for savings, it helps to understand which parts of diabetes care usually cost the most. That makes it easier to see where you have options.

Common Cost Categories

For many people living with diabetes, typical expenses include:

• Medications
  • Insulin (rapid-acting, long-acting, premixed)
  • Non-insulin diabetes medications (tablets or injectables)
• Supplies
  • Blood glucose meters and test strips
  • Lancets and lancing devices
  • Insulin pens, pen needles, and syringes
  • Alcohol swabs, sharps containers, and backup supplies
• Devices
  • Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
  • Insulin pumps and related infusion sets, reservoirs, or pods
• Healthcare visits
  • Primary care and endocrinology appointments
  • Eye, foot, kidney, and dental checks
  • Diabetes education and nutrition counseling
• Emergency and hospital care
  • Urgent care or emergency room visits
  • Hospital stays related to blood sugar complications

Not everyone uses all these items, but even a subset can be expensive month after month. The good news is that many of these categories offer potential savings if you know where to look and what to ask.

Step One: Get Clear on Your Insurance and Benefits

Whether you have private insurance, employer coverage, government insurance, or no insurance at all, knowing how your coverage works is one of the most powerful tools for lowering costs.

Learn the Basics of Your Plan

Insurance language can be confusing. Understanding a few key terms can highlight where your money is actually going:

• Premium: What you pay regularly (often monthly) to have coverage.
• Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before your plan starts paying more of the cost.
• Copay: A fixed amount you pay for a service (like a visit or prescription).
• Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost you pay after your deductible is met.
• Out-of-pocket maximum: The maximum you pay during a plan year for covered services, after which the plan generally pays most eligible costs.

Reviewing your plan information or calling the customer service number on your card can help you understand:

• Which diabetes medications and supplies are on the formulary (covered list)
• Whether there are preferred brands of insulin, test strips, or devices
• Which pharmacies and suppliers are in-network
• If there are special diabetes programs, education benefits, or mail-order options
• How your deductible and out-of-pocket maximums work for prescriptions and medical visits

Ask Specific Questions

When contacting your insurance provider, focused questions can uncover hidden savings:

• “Which blood glucose meters and strips have the lowest copay on my plan?”
• “Is there a preferred insulin that costs less under my coverage?”
• “Are continuous glucose monitors or insulin pumps covered, and if so, under pharmacy or durable medical equipment (DME) benefits?”
• “Do you offer lower-cost mail-order options for my diabetes medications?”
• “Is there a case manager or care coordinator who can review my diabetes-related benefits with me?”

📝 Quick tip:
Keep a simple log of what you pay for each major item (insulin, strips, supplies, visits). Having a clear picture of your current costs makes it easier to spot meaningful savings.

Lowering the Cost of Insulin and Diabetes Medications

Insulin and other diabetes medications can be among the biggest expenses. There are several approaches people often consider when trying to reduce these costs.

1. Learn the Difference Between Brand-Name and Lower-Cost Options

In many places, there are lower-cost versions of some insulin and non-insulin medications. These may include:

• Biosimilar or follow-on insulins that are designed to work similarly to brand-name options
• Generic versions of certain tablets and non-insulin injections

Insurance plans often favor lower-cost options with smaller copays or better coverage. People sometimes save money by:

• Asking which insulin or tablets have the lowest formulary copay
• Checking if a biosimilar is covered instead of a brand-name product
• Using a consistent supply source (such as mail-order within their plan) for longer-term medications

Any change in medication type or delivery method is a medical decision and should be discussed with a trusted health professional. From a financial perspective, though, knowing that lower-cost versions exist allows you to ask informed questions.

2. Explore Pill Splitting or Different Strengths (Where Safe and Appropriate)

For some non-insulin diabetes medications, there may be tablet strengths where a higher-dose pill costs roughly the same as a lower-dose pill. In some cases, people discuss with their prescriber whether:

• A scored tablet can be safely split
• A higher-strength option could be used in a way that lowers monthly costs

This is not appropriate or safe for all medications and is not suitable for insulin doses. It is a doctor- and pharmacist-guided decision. Financially, it can sometimes be helpful to know that dosage form and strength can affect price.

3. Consider 90-Day Fills or Mail-Order Options

Many insurance plans offer reduced copays if you get a 90-day supply of certain medications, especially stable long-term prescriptions.

Potential advantages:

• Fewer trips to the pharmacy
• Sometimes a lower total copay for the same three months of medication
• Reduced chance of running out and needing emergency refills

It is useful to ask your insurance or pharmacy whether your insulin and oral diabetes medications can be filled this way and whether it truly lowers your out-of-pocket cost.

Finding Savings on Glucose Meters, Test Strips, and Lancets

Testing supplies add up quickly. However, people often have more flexibility with these items than they realize.

1. Choose a Meter Based on Strip Cost, Not Just Features

The ongoing price of test strips often matters more than the meter itself. Many meters are inexpensive or even offered at low cost because the strips are where the long-term spending happens.

To manage costs, some people:

• Ask their insurer: “Which meter and strips are preferred with the lowest copay?”
• Compare the price per strip if paying cash vs. using insurance
• Choose a meter that uses widely available strips that can be purchased at competitive prices

✅ Meter shopping checklist:

• What does the meter cost?
• How much are strips per box, with and without insurance?
• Are control solutions and lancets easy to find and affordable?
• Does your plan require a specific brand for full coverage?

2. Use Insurance-Preferred Brands When Possible

Insurance formularies often have one or two favored strip brands. Using those can significantly lower copays. The same applies to lancets and lancing devices in some plans.

If a prescriber has written for a specific brand, patients sometimes ask:

• Whether a plan-preferred brand could be used instead
• If a different meter can be prescribed that aligns with coverage

Again, any equipment change should be discussed with a healthcare professional. From a budget standpoint, aligning with plan-preferred supplies can reduce costs.

3. Consider How Often You Truly Need to Test

The recommended frequency of blood sugar testing depends on many factors and should be guided by a healthcare professional. From a cost standpoint, some people:

• Work with their care team to identify which times of day matter most for decision-making
• Explore whether CGM (if covered or affordable) reduces the need for as many individual test strips
• Use a consistent testing pattern rather than checking randomly, to make the best use of each strip

This is not about testing less than medically appropriate, but about using each test purposefully so the money spent brings real value in information.

Continuous Glucose Monitors and Insulin Pumps: Cost Considerations

CGMs and insulin pumps can improve insight and convenience for many people, but they introduce new costs: sensors, transmitters, reservoirs, infusion sets, or pods. For some, these are covered well by insurance; for others, they can be a major monthly expense.

1. Understand How Your Plan Classifies These Devices

Coverage often depends on whether the device is treated as:

• A pharmacy benefit (picked up from a pharmacy)
• A durable medical equipment (DME) benefit (ordered from a medical equipment supplier)

Each category may have different:

• Deductibles
• Coinsurance
• Prior authorization requirements

Key questions to consider:

• “Is this CGM or pump covered under my pharmacy benefit or DME?”
• “What are my upfront and ongoing costs for sensors, transmitters, or pump supplies?”
• “Do you require prior authorization, and who can help submit it?”

2. Compare Long-Term Costs to Traditional Supplies

Even when devices are more expensive per month, some people find they:

• Experience fewer emergency visits or complications over time
• Use fewer test strips
• Feel more confident in daily management, which may reduce other health-related expenses indirectly

From a pure cost perspective, it can be helpful to make a simple comparison:

Having a rough idea of these categories allows you to ask your insurer and care team what each setup would cost in your specific situation, then weigh those financial numbers alongside lifestyle and health considerations.

Making the Most of Appointments and Preventive Care

It can be tempting to delay checkups or skip blood tests to save money in the short term. However, routine care often catches small problems before they become costly emergencies.

1. Combine and Prioritize Visits

People sometimes reduce costs by planning ahead:

• Combine tests and visits: Scheduling lab work, routine checkups, and specialist appointments in the same timeframe to limit copays and time off work.
• Ask what is essential: Clarifying which visits and tests are most important in the next 3–6 months and which can safely be spaced out, based on personal risk and history.
• Use telehealth when appropriate: Some plans charge lower copays for virtual appointments, especially for follow-ups or basic questions.

Again, any changes to visit frequency are medical decisions and should be discussed with a professional. Financially, it is reasonable to ask where you can consolidate without undermining care.

2. Ask Directly About Lower-Cost Options

Healthcare professionals often know ways to reduce costs but may not always realize money is a major concern unless it is brought up.

People sometimes find it helpful to say:

• “I’m concerned about the cost of my supplies. Are there more affordable alternatives or ways to simplify my regimen?”
• “Is there a way to streamline my testing schedule while still getting the information we need?”
• “Can we review my medications and devices with cost in mind?”

Bringing cost into the conversation clearly and early can open up options you might not otherwise hear about.

Practical Ways to Cut Day-to-Day Supply Costs

Beyond prescriptions and devices, many smaller items also contribute to overall spending. A few strategies can add up over time.

1. Compare Pharmacy Prices for Cash vs. Insurance

Not every item is cheaper with insurance. For some diabetes supplies, people discover that:

• Paying cash for certain generic medications or supplies can be cheaper than their insurance copay
• Prices can vary between pharmacies, especially for items like lancets, alcohol swabs, or glucometers

Calling a couple of nearby pharmacies to ask about the price for the same product and quantity can reveal big differences.

2. Use Store Brands for Non-Prescription Items

For non-prescription supplies, many stores offer house-brand versions, such as:

• Alcohol swabs
• Cotton pads or gauze
• Sharps containers or heavy-duty containers that can be used safely for sharps disposal (depending on local regulations)
• Glucose tablets or gels

These are often less expensive than brand-name counterparts. Checking quality, expiration dates, and packaging can help you feel confident in what you choose.

3. Avoid Wasted Supplies

A surprising amount of money is lost through unused or expired supplies. A few habits can help:

• Rotate stock: Use older items first so they do not expire unused.
• Store properly: Follow storage instructions to avoid ruining insulin or strips with heat, cold, or moisture.
• Order realistically: Try not to stockpile more than you can safely use before expiration, especially for expensive items like insulin or CGM sensors.

📌 Money-saving habits at a glance

• 🧊 Keep insulin and strips in recommended temperature ranges
• 📦 Check expiration dates before refills, to avoid over-ordering
• 📋 Maintain a simple list of what you have at home before reordering
• 🏷️ Label older boxes or vials so you use them first

Exploring Community and Financial Assistance Options

Many people do not realize that assistance resources exist specifically for those struggling with diabetes costs. The availability of programs varies by country and region, but some general categories are common.

1. Patient Assistance and Discount Programs

Manufacturers, nonprofits, and community organizations in many regions offer:

• Reduced-cost insulin or medications for those who meet income or insurance criteria
• Vouchers or discount cards that lower retail prices
• Emergency supply programs for people who are temporarily unable to pay full cost

These programs often require paperwork, proof of income, or involvement from a healthcare provider. Asking a clinic’s social worker, care coordinator, or pharmacist can help you identify what is available in your area.

2. Community Health Centers and Sliding-Scale Clinics

Community-based clinics in some areas provide:

• Medical visits on a sliding fee scale based on income
• Access to basic diabetes care and labs at reduced prices
• Help navigating prescription assistance or insurance enrollment

For people without insurance, or with limited coverage, these centers can be a key way to get ongoing care and essential supplies at a manageable cost.

3. Diabetes Education Programs

Diabetes self-management education and support programs sometimes offer:

• Group classes or one-on-one sessions focused on practical skills
• Guidance on budget-friendly meal planning and shopping
• Tips on organizing supplies and appointments financially and practically

Some programs are covered by insurance or offered through hospitals, public health departments, or community centers at low or no cost. Beyond education, they can be surprisingly helpful in connecting people to financial and community resources.

Balancing Health, Quality of Life, and Cost

Cutting expenses is important, but so is protecting your long-term health and daily quality of life. The real goal is not just to save money this month, but to spend wisely on the things that truly help you stay well.

Questions to Guide Your Decisions

When considering any change for cost reasons, it can help to ask:

• Will this change reduce my ability to monitor my blood sugar effectively?
• Could it increase my risk of severe highs or lows?
• Can I discuss this with my care team before making a switch?
• Is there a middle-ground option that balances affordability and safety?

For example, instead of abruptly cutting test strips in half, some people work with their healthcare professional to target testing to the most informative times of day, reducing waste while still getting enough data to make safe decisions.

Quick-Reference: Key Ways to Save on Diabetes Supplies and Care

Here is a compact summary you can refer back to when you are actively looking for savings.

💡 Diabetes Cost-Saving Checklist

• 🧾 Know your insurance basics

  • Learn your plan’s formulary for insulin, strips, and devices.
  • Ask which brands and pharmacies are lowest cost.

• 💉 Reduce medication expenses

  • Ask about lower-cost or preferred insulins and generics.
  • Consider 90-day supplies or mail-order if they truly lower costs.

• 📊 Cut testing supply costs

  • Choose a meter based on strip affordability.
  • Use plan-preferred brands for strips and lancets.

• 📡 Evaluate device costs

  • Understand whether CGMs and pumps are covered under pharmacy or DME.
  • Compare long-term costs (sensors, sets, pods) to your current routine.

• 🧑‍⚕️ Use appointments strategically

  • Combine visits and labs when possible.
  • Talk openly with professionals about cost concerns.

• 🏪 Shop smart for everyday supplies

  • Compare prices between pharmacies and consider store brands.
  • Rotate and store supplies to avoid wasting money on expired items.

• 🤝 Check for help

  • Ask about assistance programs and community clinics.
  • Look for diabetes education resources that include financial guidance.

Bringing It All Together

Living with diabetes often forces you to think about your health in a way many others never have to. Add in the financial pressure of prescriptions, devices, and appointments, and it can feel like there is no room to breathe.

Yet many people find that, once they:

• Understand their insurance and benefits
• Ask direct questions about cost-effective options
• Organize their supplies, appointments, and community resources

they can bring their expenses down to a more manageable level—without sacrificing the essentials that support their long-term health.

You do not have to figure this out alone. Pharmacists, clinic staff, community health workers, and education programs often see people facing similar challenges every day. By speaking up about money, gathering clear information, and taking small, steady steps, you can build a diabetes care plan that supports both your health and your budget over the long term.