5 Ways Diabetic Patients Can Reduce Expenses in 2022

Updated on December 22, 2021

It is no secret that the total cost of care per patient that is diagnosed with diabetes is exorbitant both on the individual and on the healthcare system. According to Diabetes.Org, the average diabetic patient can incur an average of $16,752 in medical expenses per year with around $10,000 of that total being related specifically to the diabetes diagnosis alone. 

Diabetes is a severe, chronic health condition and one that many overlook. So, what can be done to help a diabetic patient decrease their annual expenses? Is there hope? Can anything be done? 

The answer is yes. Where there is a will, there is a way. While it will take hard work, focus and diligence, there is a way to reduce expenses and live a healthier lifestyle at the same time. This article will explore ways that a diabetic patient can reduce their expenses throughout the year. 

  1. Save on medicines

Did you know that you can work with your insurance company to ensure that you are paying the lowest amount possible for your prescriptions? Give your insurance company a call today and speak with them about your current prescriptions to ensure that you are paying the lowest price. If you aren’t, they can help you determine what needs to be done to get the lowest price. You may need to request a 90 day supply from the pharmacy. Sometimes your insurance plan will require that you use their mail order pharmacy to get the best rate. There are various ways to save on medications and the best way to ensure that you have the lowest price is to speak with your insurance company to determine the lowest price based on formulary, number of days per fill and method of refill. 

  1. Shop around for supplies

While you may shop around for supplies such as test strips, a meter and other necessary items, it is important that you check with your insurance company to see what is covered in your plan. Some plans cover meters and/or monthly strips, or offer discounts. You may be overpaying for supplies without even knowing it.

  1. Take part in research 

As a diabetic patient, oftentimes you will find yourself going to a variety of doctor appointments for checkups. These appointments can become costly over time. One way to cut down on the cost of appointments is to take part in research studies on diabetes. Consult with your doctor and inquire about potential studies that may be taking place in your area. Research studies that are seeking diabetic patients may cover supplies, appointments costs, and testing. Speaking with your primary care doctor about research opportunities or ways to cut down on expenses is a great way to open the door to opportunities to explore options that otherwise would not have been available to you. 

  1. Eat healthier

Planning meals ahead, buying only the ingredients you need to make planned meals and cooking your own food can save you a lot of money. Another great way to save money is to purchase food in bulk, cook large portions and freeze meals for later. Doing so will ensure that you have healthy food to eat at a later date when you are not in the mood to cook or you are too busy to cook. 

If you are unsure of how to go about finding healthy, easy to cook recipes that are full of flavor, download the DishQuo app. The DishQuo app is highly recommended and is the leading meal planning app based on insulin science. The app will help you save money by helping you stay organized with ingredient lists for your recipes and also has a feature that allows you to order groceries from your phone to be delivered to your home. The DishQuo app is a priceless companion for people who want to eat healthy, flavorful and insulin-friendly foods while saving money. You can learn more about the DishQuo app in the article Hey Diabetics, We’ve Got the Perfect Meal Plan for You!

  1. Focus on prevention

Prevention saves money. When your primary care doctor schedules you for a visit with a specialist to check your eyes for signs of nephropathy, or your doctor wants you to see a food specialist; while these appointments may seem as if they are pointless and do not matter, they are important as they are being scheduled for prevention purposes. Diabetic patients are prone to severe eye problems, such as nephropathy, or foot problems over time. In order for your doctor to be able to prevent your diabetes from causing severe problems, you need to be diligent in attending your appointments and following the care plan that is set forth by your doctor. Take your medications, eat healthy, exercise, and do your best to partake in as many preventative services as you can so that you can reverse as much of the diabetes as possible and if nothing else prevents it from getting worse. 

Overall, the cost of diabetes expenses are high, but through diligence and effort, it is possible to reduce those throughout the year. Taking the time and putting in the work to do this can also help you reduce the stress this added financial burden may be causing which can affect your health as well. By taking the initiative to be proactive in helping yourself reduce costs, you can potentially lower some of that stress, helping you to work towards a healthy 2022.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.