Q&A: I have diabetes and struggle to afford my insulin. What can I do? | Expert Opinion
Affording insulin has been an ongoing problem for many who manage their diabetes. There are two proven ways to reduce the amount of insulin you need: eating patterns and physical activity.
Q: I have diabetes and struggle to afford my insulin. How can I safely decrease my use?
A: Affording insulin has been a problem for many who manage their diabetes. The current pandemic and its effects, such as loss of income, have only exacerbated the problem. Luckily, there may be things you can do with the help of your health-care provider and diabetes care and education specialist to reduce your need for insulin.
First, let’s look at why people with diabetes need insulin. According to the American Diabetes Association, the goal for someone with diabetes is to have a fasting blood sugar target between 80 and 130 mg/dl and a peak post-meal blood sugar less than 180 mg/dl. The reason for this is to prevent your blood sugars from having high variation. When your blood sugars are consistently greater than 300 mg/dl or you have symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, dehydration, blurry vision, or tingling in fingers or toes, your health-care providers may use insulin, in combination with other forms of injectable medications, to help bring your blood sugars into optimal range.
One way to reduce the amount of insulin you take, while still keeping your blood sugar in this range, is to address insulin resistance. Many people with diabetes who are overweight or obese (especially those with type 2 diabetes) have insulin resistance, which causes blood sugar levels to be high, increasing your insulin needs. Fortunately, there are two proven ways you can address insulin resistance and ultimately reduce the amount of insulin you need: eating patterns and physical activity.
Foods that are processed and high in fat increase insulin resistance. A whole-food, plant-based diet that is naturally low in fat and contains nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber has been demonstrated with lowering insulin resistance.
Increasing your physical activity and exercise under the guidance of your health-care providers will also reduce your insulin needs.
Other lifestyle changes can help naturally lower blood sugar levels, such as reducing emotional stress and getting adequate sleep. When all these lifestyle interventions are combined, their effects can compound and also result in healthy weight loss, further improving insulin resistance.
A diabetes care and education specialist can also help you find patient assistance programs created by pharmaceutical manufacturers to lower the cost of insulin and other medications. Another tool, GetInsulin.org, is a great resource to help you determine which programs are available to you. These programs may require you to submit income and banking statements to find the best possible resources for free or discounted insulin.
Remember to always consult with your health-care providers before making changes. They can work with you to help lower your insulin doses safely. Most important, they can focus on key lifestyle changes that will improve your well-being and diabetes management.
Rohit Moghe is an advanced practice pharmacist and certified diabetes care and education specialist and a spokesperson for the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists.