Diabetes is a dangerous chronic illness that can lead to other serious health issues if blood glucose levels are not managed. It is important to completely understand what supplies you need to monitor and regulate your blood glucose level and treat any co-occurring illnesses, whether you have diabetes or are at risk for developing it.
Supplies for Prediabetes: Items Needed by Prediabetics
Although receiving a prediabetes diagnosis should serve as a critical wake-up call regarding your current state of health, it should not indicate that you will undoubtedly develop diabetes. You can delay or even avoid the onset of diabetes by closely monitoring your blood glucose levels and making lifestyle adjustments.
Because physical exercise reduces body fat and blood glucose levels, it is a crucial component of the treatment plan for prediabetes. Joining a club or fitness program may qualify you for an incentive, depending on the policies of your health insurance carrier. If you are unable to find an incentive from your insurance provider, you may inquire about your employer’s policy to find out if they provide rewards for employees who maintain a healthy weight. Simultaneously, they might provide a reason to visit a nutritionist and create a diet tailored to your requirements. But, as long as you have proof that your doctor has prescribed these treatments, you can still claim these costs as medical expenses on your tax return if neither your insurance provider nor your employer provide incentives.
For those at risk of prediabetes, sleep is essential. Your body cannot use insulin properly if you don’t get enough sleep, which may raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. See your doctor if you have sleep apnea so that you may learn more about getting CPAP therapy or nasal cones to help you sleep better at night. Either your insurance company or the Medicare program should pay for this equipment.
Supplies & Equipment for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Regardless of your diabetes diagnosis—Type 1 or Type 2—you’ll need a list of supplies and equipment to keep an eye on your blood glucose levels.
Supplies and Equipment for Self-Testing Blood Glucose Levels
All Medicare Part B diabetic patients are entitled to coverage for blood glucose level self-testing supplies and equipment, even if they do not take insulin.
The materials for self-testing consist of:
- blood sugar trackers
- Test strips for blood sugar
- Lancets and lancet devices
- Dedicated trash disposal for used needles
- Control glucose solutions to verify the precision of test strips and testing apparatus
Emergency Kit
Being limited to your home due to a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is not the only outcome. As with persons without diabetes, you can lead an active lifestyle with careful planning of your supplies and equipment. But you should always carry a diabetes emergency kit with you so that you are ready for any emergency. You should have an extra kit at your place of employment and in your car for convenience.
The following supplies must to be included in the emergency kit:
- Medicine for diabetes
- Insulin with the Insulin pen or Insulin pump (if you take it)
- The supplies and glucose meter
- Quickly raising your blood sugar level with emergency snacks or juice (such as apple juice, gum drops, candies like Life Savers or Jolly Rancher, table sugar, glucose gel, or glucose pills)
- Non-perishable food, such as sun chips, crackers, cookies, and vacuum-packed chicken or tuna
- Bottle of water
- Documentation proving your identity, a list of your prescribed drugs, and the necessary amount
- A list of phone numbers for your doctor, pharmacy, and emergency contacts
- Emergency mobile phone
- Bandages (skin barriers, alcohol substitutes, salves, ointments) and a first-aid kit
- (For those who are at high risk of developing severe hypoglycemia due to their severe diabetes) Emergency Glucagon Kit
- A journal used to record occurrences and medication administration
- Additional battery for the meter
A medical ID bracelet is something you should always carry with you, even if it isn’t part of the emergency kit. In the event of an accident, your caregiver and medical assistants will be able to promptly recognize you as a diabetes patient and offer you the appropriate assistance.
If you reside in a region where natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, or blizzards are a regular occurrence, you might want to keep an extra piece of equipment and at least three days’ supply of supplies for managing your diabetes in storage.
Supplies Needed for Particular Diabetic Complications
Apart from the standard supplies required by all diabetic patients, there are several supplies that are also typical for those with more severe forms of the disease:
- Ketone Level Measuring Urine Test Strips
In the event that your physician advises using ketone test strips to monitor your ketone levels, you can get them from your pharmacy.
- Insulin Pumps
Your doctor will prescribe an insulin pump if you need one for any of the following reasons. 20% of the Medicare-approved amount is what you must pay after your annual Medicare Part B deductible. Note that Medicare will cover the cost of the insulin used in conjunction with the insulin pump.
- Orthopedic Footwear or Inserts
If you meet the following requirements and are enrolled in Medicare Part B and have diabetes, Medicare will pay for the cost of therapeutic shoes or inserts:
- Amputation of a foot, partial or total
- Previous foot ulcers
- Diabetic nerve injury exhibiting symptoms of calluses
- Calluses that may result in ulcers on the feet
- inadequate flow
- A foot malformation
One of the following two options will be available for you to select:
- Three pairs of inserts and one pair of depth-inlay shoes
- If your foot deformity prevents you from using depth-inlay shoes, you can get one pair of custom-molded shoes (with inserts) and two extra pairs of inserts.
Note that Medicare will only pay for these specific kinds of orthopaedic shoes and inserts. Inserts and general therapeutic shoes are not covered.
Supplies for Diabetes-Affected Women
It is essential that you always have a medical ID bracelet on you if you are a woman who has diabetes before being pregnant or who develops gestational diabetes while pregnant. In the event of an early birth, your physicians will consider your blood glucose fluctuations and provide you a safer delivery method to reduce the risk to the unborn child and yourself. In addition, the medical staff will be more equipped to anticipate and treat any postpartum issues your baby may experience.
Leg and foot edema is among the major problems experienced by pregnant diabetic women. Your doctor might suggest wearing medical compression socks to help address that issue.
Supplies for Diabetes in Children
You don’t need to worry about being at your child’s side all the time if they have diabetes. Talk to the school nurse and teacher about your child’s illness.
Given that all of the students at the school have already had insulin shots, the school nurse most likely has a great deal of expertise doing so. He or she might even have a list of every item you need to put in a container as well as a schedule for how frequently to restock the container. In any case, don’t worry. Children with diabetes should use the same emergency supplies list that adults do. Have a photo of your child affixed to the container’s lid to make the school nurse’s job easier.
Your child should always have an additional kit in their school bag in addition to the school kit. However, since kids tend to be less careful with things, you need to make sure that all of the items are packed in a sturdy, waterproof bag or container. Additionally, if your child plays on a sports team, make sure the coach has a spare kit and instructs him or her on how to give your child insulin in an emergency.
Resources for the Eye-Impaired
You don’t have to depend on other people to check your blood sugar or give you insulin shots if you are visually challenged. As a result of technological advancements, several pharmaceutical companies have created blood glucose monitors that can talk or connect to your current speech synthesizers, recognizing the demands of diabetes patients who are visually impaired.
The two brands that come highly recommended are Roche Accu-Chek and LifeScan. The audio instructions for these monitors are simple to understand. Regarding insulin injection equipment, despite the fact that insulin pens are labeled, “Not for use by blind individuals without sighted aid,” numerous hospital and community seminars are available to teach people with visual impairments how to self-administer insulin injections using insulin pens.
Nonetheless, there are a number of insulin pump models with auditory prompts if you need to mix insulin solution and using an insulin pen is not an option. Here are a few manufacturers to think about if these audio-cued insulin pumps catch your attention:
- Minimed
- Disetronic
- Deltec
- Dana
- Diabecare
- Animas
- Nipro
If you do want to use syringes, there are systems that make it possible for people who are blind or visually impaired to draw out the precise amount using tactile and auditory cues, attach the insulin vial, and inject the syringe. Several instances of branding are:
- Count-A-Dose
- Syringe Support
- Safe Shot
- Insul-Cap
- Ezy-Dose Injection Safety Guard
- NeedleAid
- BD Magni-Guide
- Ezy-Dose
Compared to the previously stated equipment, these devices are significantly more affordable if you have very little financial support and health insurance. Please speak with your physician if you feel that you require this particular equipment so that they can specifically recommend it and list it as a necessity for the sake of your insurance and Medicare coverage.
Insurance Protection for Materials
All inhabitants of the United States are eligible for insurance coverage through Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance thanks to Obamacare. The majority of diabetics covered by private insurance come from group health plans offered by employers.
These policies typically provide more protection. Those without enrollment in employer-sponsored group health plans must apply for individual insurance policies via the Federal Medicare program and the state Obamacare health portal. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) generally covers certain preventative services for individuals who are at risk of developing diabetes as well as therapies that may impact those who already have the disease. Additionally, diabetes supplies used for insulin injections or inhalations are covered by Medicare Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage).
Additionally, those who meet the requirements for the low-earning income status are eligible to participate in the Medicaid program and get significantly lower out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, there is the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which is designed with kids in mind. Pre-existing conditions are not grounds for denial of enrollment or medical claim denial under federal law for any insurance coverage. If your pre-existing diseases are the reason your insurance carrier refuses to cover you, you can report the occurrence by calling 1-877-696-6775, which is the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Note that while Medicare Plan B pays for medical supplies for all diabetes patients, the amount of supplies that are reimbursed varies based on whether or not you use insulin. You can be eligible for up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets every three months, as well as one lancet device every six months, if you take insulin.
You could be able to receive 100 test strips and 100 lancets every three months, as well as one lancet device every six months, if you do not use insulin. Medicare will, however, permit you to obtain extra test strips and lancets if your physician determines that it is medically essential for you to test your blood sugar more frequently, provided that you receive a written recommendation from your physician outlining the reasons for the additional supplies.
- What is required to obtain these supplies covered?
You must obtain a prescription from your physician specifying if you have diabetes, what sort of blood sugar monitor you require, and why you require it in order for Medicare to pay for your blood sugar self-testing supplies and equipment.
Your doctor must explain in detail why you need a particular monitor if you have vision difficulties. Your doctor must also include information about how often you need to test your blood sugar, if you use insulin, and how many test strips and lancets you’ll need each month in the prescription.
Your insurance provider should pay for your insulin, pen needles or syringes, blood glucose test supplies, monitor, and prescription medication with a doctor’s note. If your doctor recommends an insulin pump and related supplies as essential to your therapy, your insurance might also pay for them. You should phone the insurer customer service and inquire about any sales on a certain brand of insulin dispenser or meter in order to acquire the lowest co-payment.
Nevertheless, you should constantly confirm with the business because your insurance provider might not cover all supply firms. Ultimately, speak with your physician or another healthcare professional to learn the precise cost of your therapy, supplies, and equipment. The precise amount you owe typically varies based on a number of factors:
- What kind of coverage do you possess?
- If your physician approves of the assignment
- The place and the state in which you receive medical care, supplies, and equipment.
Please keep in mind that Medicare and your insurance coverage may not fully cover some treatments, supplies, or equipment, even if your doctor or another healthcare practitioner recommends them.
At times, they might not receive any coverage at all. You might be responsible for some or all of the expenses if this occurs and you choose to proceed with the treatment or order the necessary supplies and equipment. You should inquire about your doctor’s recommendation, determine whether the therapy is necessary for your needs, and find out if Medicare will cover the costs of the recommended course of action in order to prevent any unexpected medical fees.
- IMPORTANT
Please be aware that Medicare is not required by federal law to pay for any items or equipment you did not request. Report any fraudulent conduct to Medicare right away if a supply firm sends you equipment or supplies automatically without your permission and then demands payment.
Medicare’s toll-free number is 1-800-MEDICARE. Please remember that you HAVE to purchase supplies from a Medicare-eligible pharmacy or supplier. Medicare will not pay anything if you choose a pharmacy or supplier who is not enrolled in the program. You will be responsible for paying the full cost of the supplies, even if they are less expensive, if Medicare does not cover them.
Details about the Supplier
Medicare of United States launched a new competitive bidding program in January 2011 for supplies, medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and other items in different parts of the county. The Medicare program uses the bids from suppliers to determine how much it will pay for specific medical supplies and equipment via the Competitive Bidding Program. This program enables suppliers to submit bids for the provision of particular medical equipment and supplies.
In this manner, the supplier market won’t be endangered, and the competition will maintain lower fees. To view the list of approved suppliers, you need visit your state’s Medicare website as each state has its own unique bidding procedure. A list of supplier brands that are extensively recognized and covered in numerous states may be seen in the table below.
| Supplies/Equipment | Widely-Used Brands |
| Insulin Syringes | BD Ultrafine, Levemir®, Monoject, NovoFine®, Ulticare, UniFine, UltiGaurd |
| Insulin | Apidra, Humulin, Lantuo, Lente, Levemin, Novolog, Novolin, NPH Insulin, Regular Iletin, Regular Insulin, Velosulin |
| Insulin Pumps | Animas, Deltec, Medtronic |
| Blood Glucose Test, Meters and Test Strips | Abbott Freestyle®, Abbott Flash, Accu-Chek Compact®, Ascensia Elite, Ascencia Breeze, Ascensia Contour, Lifescan One-Touch©, Prestige |
| Injectable Medications | Byetta (Exenatide) injection and Symlin (Pramlintide Acetate) injection, Victoza (lLiraglutide- rDNA origin) injection |
| Oral Medications | Acarbose, Avandia, Chlorpropamide, Diabinese, Glipizide, Glucophage, Glucotrol, Gylset, Meglitol, Metformin, Prandin, Precose, Repaglinide, Rosiglitazone |
What Takes Place If I Am Unable to Pay?
There are a few alternative possibilities if Medicare or your insurance plan does not cover some necessary drugs, supplies, or equipment.
- Financial Support from Suppliers and Pharmaceutical Companies
Many pharmaceutical companies may provide financial help programs to individuals who are struggling to pay for their prescription drugs and supplies in an effort to draw in more business. For a list of pharmaceutical and healthcare aid programs, see NeedyMeds.org and RxAssist.com.
- Diabetes Tax Deductions
You can always claim a tax deduction for medical expenses to partially offset the cost of any medical bills that are not covered by your insurance plan. The cost of your medical care, including any associated expenses for any of your health issues, such as diabetes. When the entire amount surpasses 10% of your AGI, the deduction is permitted.
However, unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income are deductible if you are 65 years of age or older. Your medical deduction can cover a wide range of costs, such as those associated with prescription drugs, hospital stays, doctor visits, weight-loss plans, and the majority of treatments prescribed by your physician. The particular foods you need to follow if you are enrolled in an authorized weight-loss program may also be deducted from your taxes. You can even account for the cost of each mile you go to and from your drugstore or doctor’s office.
Please note that you can only deduct medical expenses if you itemize. Therefore, any expense you incur for managing your diabetes must be recorded on the Schedule A attachment of your Form 1040 in order for you to claim it.
- Ask for Help
There are numerous federal and state aid programs that may be able to help you obtain what you need if you are unable to pay your diabetes medical expenditures. You can always call the state health hotline for assistance if your physician and supplier are unaware of any programs. Every year, Diabetescouncils.com provides diabetic supplies to ten individuals; for additional information about our program, please click this link.
To Sum It Up…
Receiving a diabetes diagnosis can be a daunting event, leaving you unsure of how to begin your treatment regimen. Knowing what your current insurance plan covers is the first step towards organizing your treatment plan. When you are prepared, you may choose supplies, equipment, and medications more wisely and won’t have to worry about mounting medical bills.
Please don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to explain the recommendation if you have any questions or concerns. And please let your doctor know if you require anything. Your insurance plan will only cover your supplies if it is recommended that you do so.
Recall that if you do not ask for assistance, they are unable to provide it. Simultaneously, do not hesitate to explore alternative choices in terms of expert opinion and supplier brands. You may always stay up to date on various support programs and the current trend of equipment and supply improvements by attending local community and diabetes awareness conferences. Increasing your level of education is the best thing you can do for yourself.
Please click this link to learn more about the Medicaid coverage in your state: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid-chip-program-information/by-state/by-state.html
Where can I get supplies for diabetes?
You can start with a variety of websites, such as Amazon.
Will my insurance cover the cost of the necessary medications and supplies?
Please see this article’s insurance section.
How should I keep my diabetes supplies organized?
Consult the usage manual. or consult your physician.
How do I obtain a diabetic supply for free?
See this article’s section on insurance coverage, as well as our page on the diabetes supply and service program.
What is the price of diabetes supplies?
It depends, however we recommend you check the following page where Christel has created an in-depth information in regards with pricing.
Do diabetic supplies get covered by aetna?
Refer to their page with more information.
Can I travel with my diabetic supplies?
Indeed. To learn more, be sure to visit the TSA website.
Do insurance policies cover materials for diabetic testing?
Yes and no; see this article’s section on insurance for more information.
Are materials used for diabetic testing tax deductible?
Indeed. See the section on taxes in this article.
What should I do if I have diabetes and am searching for diabetic supplies but don’t have insurance?
Please see our “What if I can’t afford” section.
Are there supplies for blind people with diabetes?
Indeed. See the section on supplies for those with visual impairments.
Which diabetic supplies companies take Medicare and Medicaid?
See the section on supplier information.
Why is there no information regarding travel supplies for diabetics?
We intend to publish an extensive piece on travel supplies shortly.
What is a MUST-HAVE before leaving the house?
We asked our community for their thoughts on this, and here are what they had to say.
Bridget: We actually need a few things, but I don’t think there’s just one that we can never leave the house without. A blood sugar meter is perhaps the most crucial of them all. Without it, all we could do was speculate about their degree based on their actions or emotions. I’ve often joked that since I had no way of testing their blood sugar, I assume I would have to prick their finger and taste their blood to see if it was sweet, because how else would I know if they were high? This is something I’ve said many times when fighting insurance or medical providers who refused to ship strips. Having said that, let me clarify that I am not a vampire; rather, I am a worried parent trying to convey the gravity of having kids with type 1 diabetes and no way to obtain test strips.
Kassie Joyce: My BG Meter is a necessity if I were to leave the house.
Cara Johnson-Schoonover: I always have to have insulin on hand when I leave the house.
Lynn Newberg: I have to have my blood kit with me at all times when I leave the house. If not, how could I examine myself?
Andrea Ward: My completely loaded (with insulin) pump is my go-to item that I have to have with me at all times.
Mary Powell Nesrsta: A blood glucose meter would have to be my one item if I had to pick just one.
Manda Perren: Without insulin, I never leave the house.
Sherri Hurley: Without my glucose medications, I never leave the house.
Mandie Laforet: Everything I needed for my diabetic kit.
Kristen Mudd: My meter, glucagon, applesauce, and insulin are essential items that I never leave home without.
Erin O’Dell: Insulin is something I never leave the house without.
Margie Robinson: I’ve discovered the hard way that it’s best to always carry chocolates or a juice box with me. Trying to explain what you need while having a hypo episode in the midst of a grocery store is not fun.
Harold Dover: The most crucial item I should never be without is my type 1 diabetes identification card. If you are ever pulled over for having low blood sugar while driving, this could potentially save your life. A lot of individuals are ignorant about type 1 diabetes and how to distinguish it from being intoxicated because the two conditions can seem identical. It’s critical to take medication to assist raise your blood sugar levels fast if you have type 1 diabetes and are experiencing low blood sugar. Instead, if a police officer suspects you are intoxicated, this may result in more time that you don’t necessarily have to spend receiving treatment, which may be lethal.
Across the community, insulin appears to be the most often given response. It should come as no surprise that it was the most frequently mentioned item to carry with you at all times, as it is one of the most essential items that a person with type 1 diabetes needs to have with them at all times in order to survive.