When we talk about the cost of something we typically think in financial terms. While the cost of type 2 diabetes is high in the financial area, it is high in a lot of other areas as well. Tonight we will briefly look at some financial costs of type 2 diabetes. In later posts, we will elaborate on some other costs.
The Financial Cost
Let’s face it, diabetes is an expensive condition to suffer from. As a type 2 diabetic who is on insulin, I can talk about this because there have been many times I have had to ration my insulin supply so that I would have enough so I could afford to get the next batch.
When I had no insurance, I was able to get my Basaglar through the manufacturer Lilly for free. That was helpful, especially since I was taking 80 units at bedtime. One of the “pens” the medicine was in would last me 3 days. A box of 5 pens would last me 15 days.
Without insurance and having to buy the Basaglar directly from a pharmacy, I looked to Good RX to see what it would cost me.
As you can see for one box of pens I would be paying a minimum of $250.91. I would need 2 boxes a month so I would be looking at $500 a month. That was just for the Basaglar.
Now I am on Lantus. So let’s look at Good RX for those prices.
The Lantus is more expensive and would cost me about $672 a month. UGH!
However, with my insurance, I now get two boxes of Lantus for $25 a month. With my insurance I would only get one box of Basaglar for $25 so for a month it would cost me $50.
Obviously, insurance is a life-saver. But I do have to pay about $500 a month for insurance with a deductible. I can’t help but feel like the insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies are working together on this!
Anyway, I also take Metformin. Let’s look at that. It is fairly inexpensive.
Three other medications that I was prescribed included: Ozempic, Trulicity, and Victoza.
Rather than run a chart like above, I will just give you the lowest prices.
- Ozempic $836
- Trulicity $735
- Victoza $996
Not a pretty picture. At least the above were once-a-week shots! But the cost for a month… It can be overwhelming. I have had to completely stop taking medications when I had no insurance or any way to pay for the medications.
This isn’t a problem that is just mine. There are a lot of people out there who have had to make a choice between medication or food and shelter…
As I have said, the financial cost goes even further when you consider all the various tests that diabetics must usually endure every three months. There is the A1c, BUN, Creatinine, a basic metabolic panel. For those who hate needles, getting these blood tests are not fun.
It is something we get used to, however.
Today’s Video
In today’s video, I talk a little more about feelings and the costs of diabetes.
Feel free to leave me comments or questions. I will do my best to answer them.
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Disclaimer: I am not a medical expert. The posts that I write are not to offer medical advice, but merely what I am doing on my journey and things that I personally have found helpful. I do a lot of reading and researching from an academic standpoint and will use some content that comes from people in the medical profession. If you have questions or concerns about anything that I write, please contact me at karin@diabeteshealthnuts.com. Thank you! 🙂
About the author
Karin Nauber is a professional journalist who has worked in the newspaper business for the past 25 years. She is also a grandmother who, along with her spouse, is raising one of their granddaughters. Karin has nine grandchildren with whom she enjoys spending as much time as possible. Karin also was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 13 years ago and has faced many challenges with the condition. If you would like to contact her, please do so at karin@diabeteshealthnuts.com.
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