Did you know that diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition in the United States these days? Namely, the average U.S. citizen spends about $6.000 on insulin-related medications each year. So, is there anything people can do to save money on insulin? Let’s check it out together!
What Is Insulin and How Much Does It Cost?
Human insulin is a hormone that is found in the human body. While being produced in the pancreas, it is responsible for the control of blood glucose levels (or, as they are sometimes called, blood sugar levels). Therefore, the main function of insulin should not be underestimated: it plays a crucial role in controlling the body’s metabolism.
A side note: Metabolism is a term that denotes life-sustaining reactions in the human body.
However, sometimes it happens that the human body:
- Produces little to no insulin (so that you do not have enough insulin);
- Prevents insulin from properly functioning (insulin resistance).
In both above-mentioned cases, blood glucose levels become too high and, therefore, lead to the development of diabetes mellitus, a chronic debilitating disease.
If high blood sugar is left untreated or the diabetes disease progresses, a patient might experience the increased risk of the following health complications:
- Infection;
- Heart disease;
- Vision problem;
- Kidney disease;
- Amputation;
- Higher risk of early death (in emergency situations).
Therefore, it is essential to take diabetes medication (namely, prescription insulin or special insulin analogs) on a regular basis.
While insulin products, in their turn, might be subdivided into:
- Rapid-acting insulin;
- Short-acting insulin (or, as it is also called, fast-acting insulin or regular insulin);
- Intermediate-acting insulin;
- Long-acting insulin;
- Mixed insulin.
Depending on your individual diabetes management protocol, your doctor will prescribe you the needed insulin type and dosage.
A safety note: Please follow the recommendations of your doctor strictly. Do NOT change the brand, type, or dosage of insulin you take unless it has been prescribed to you.
When speaking about the price of insulin, it is essential to mention that it depends on a whole bunch of factors, such as:
- The country where it is sold;
- The type, the manufacturer, and the brand of a preparation;
- The place where it is bought (a local pharmacy or an online supplier);
On average, the price for insulin vials (regular type) might vary from $25 to $100 per item.
How to Save Money on Insulin?
Many patients who live with diabetes are dependent on a regular intake of insulin. Therefore, it is vital for them to know what can be done to buy insulin cheaper. So, how about going through the main methods that might help you save up to 90% on your over-the-counter insulin medications?
Talk to Your Doctor or Health Care Insurer
Above anything else, you might bring up a money issue with your doctor or insurance company. This way, you will be able to check for:
- Special health insurance coverage for diabetics;
- Availability of patient assistance programs that financially support people with diabetes;
- Cheaper analogs to the preparations you are currently taking.
Believe us or not, such a discussion with either your doctor or insurer is likely to give you an idea of how to cut your diabetes-related expenses.
Monitor Insulin Prices Regularly
Another way to reduce your insulin price tag is to constantly monitor how much the preparation costs. Try to:
- Compare insulin prices at a couple of resellers (both locally and online);
- Check out for drug discount programs;
- Keep an eye on bonuses for wholesale purchases if compared to over-the-counter ones.
Thus, you have a high chance to come across a temporary discount or beneficial price for insulin.
Buy Canadian Insulin
One more efficient way to save money on insulin is to order it from Canada. Due to a whole bunch of reasons, the price tag for insulin in Canada is oftentimes way lower if compared to the U.S. one. Thus, find a reliable Canadian supplier and buy Canadian insulin for a reasonable price.
Final Words
All in all, there are several methods of how to lower your insulin price tag substantially. So, how about giving them a try and managing your blood sugar highs and lows for a pleasant price?
