Diabetes costs can really build up and be quite a burden on an individual suffering from it, along with their family members and close friends in some cases. If you have diabetes, you already know that having diabetes or any other chronic illness comes with a high price tag. The cost of supplies and medicine can be a little pricey, and they are not consumed once or twice, but rather have to be purchased on a regular basis. Today we want to share some hacks on how you can cut costs on many levels to manage your diabetes financially and save money doing that.

Save on Medicine and Supplies

• Compare pharmacies prices; While some countries impose laws for medications to be sold at the same price. In other countries like the United States, you’d be surprised to find that prices are wildly different even for common medications. Try to compare pharmacies’ prices to find the least expensive option. You can use tools online like InsdieRX, or GoodRX, or ScriptSave WellRX, or you can personally search and find the best bargain.

• Talk to your doctor/pharmacist; Ask whether changing your medicine is an option, ‘Can you take a generic or lower-priced medicine?’ because they aren't always as pricey. Also, your doctor may be able to suggest a medication that combines a few diabetes medicines into a single pill, since one prescription is usually cheaper than several.

  Ask your pharmacist about discounts, coupons, special deals, and rebates on items like blood sugar meters, lancets, test strips. And ask about any other money-saving programs, too.

•  Check with your health insurance company; That’s to find out which medicines are covered at the lowest cost to you. Ask your doctor to prescribe them if possible.

Save on a Healthy Diet

The financial burden of having diabetes can simply be alleviated by managing your diet and your exercise. In addition to saving money on that, managing it keeps your blood sugar stable and prevents blood sugar spike, which in return prevent or delay diabetes complications like nerve damage, heart and kidney disease. These conditions are not only expensive to treat but can lower your quality of life. Try to:

• Plan your meals ahead; so you won't be tempted to grab something expensive and unhealthy. Only buy the needed ingredients, and cook your own food. Precooked, pre-sliced, and individually wrapped foods cost more than those you prepare yourself.

• Bring lunch to work instead of buying it; you’ll save money and eat healthier

• Buy (selectively) in bulk; If you can reasonably use up (or freeze) everything in a pack, it usually makes sense to go with the bulk option.

• Shop wisely and avoid shopping when you’re hungry; when you shop on an empty stomach, everything suddenly looks delicious! See what’s on sale and use coupons and rewards cards.

Save on Exercise

You do not need an expensive gym membership or fancy equipment to get regular exercise. You just have to keep an active life style as it is very beneficial for diabetes. Being active increase insulin sensitivity, looks after your blood pressure and cholesterol, help you lose weight, give you energy, and help you sleep. All in which increase life quality and prevent diabetes complications.

All you need is little creativity, and you can find many ways to exercise for little or no money. You can try any of the bellow:

• Walking is one of the easiest and least expensive forms of exercise, and a good pair of shoes is all you need. Walking gives you a great workout that you can tailor to your own fitness level.

•  Hit the stairs; You can create your own stair workout by walking up and down your stairs. It is totally free, and just about all of us can get access to a set of stairs.

• Use Your Own Body Weight; Try doing Squats, push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, lunges, leg or arm raises. And to make sure you use proper form, go online and checkout sample workout routines you can try.

•  Swimming; Find a local pool or lake and go for a swim. As swimming can make you breathe harder and raise your heart rate. This is good for your heart health because your heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body.

• Try other low-cost options; Try ice-skating, jogging, hiking, volleyball, or soccer. Even cycling is affordable if you dust off an old bike or get a used one.

‘How to W-A-S-T-E your money as a diabetic?’

Finally, it is advised that you don't try to cut costs so much that you don't take your medicines as prescribed. Not taking medicine as prescribed can cause serious health problems and can end up costing you much more for treatment or even hospitalisation as well as lowering your quality of life.

Stick to your treatment plan and don’t skip doses, don’t split pills that aren’t meant to be split, don’t share items that enter your skin, such as finger stick devices or insulin pens, you could get a serious infection. And always listen to what your doctor says and instructs you to do.

Dua’a Alzboun – Assistant Social Media Content Manager (Intern)