Managing diabetes can feel like a full-time job, and the cost of staying healthy adds up quickly. From glucose monitors to test strips and insulin, even insured patients can find themselves spending hundreds each month. The good news? There are plenty of affordable diabetes supply options out there—you just need to know where to look.
Let’s break down how to find budget-friendly options for everything you need to manage your diabetes without sacrificing quality or safety.
Why Diabetes Supplies Are So Expensive
Diabetes isn’t just about insulin. Keeping blood sugar levels stable means using a range of tools every day. Depending on the type of diabetes and treatment plan, that might include:
Glucose meters
Test strips
Lancets
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
Insulin (and delivery devices like pens or pumps)
Alcohol swabs and sharps containers
These items often aren’t fully covered by insurance. And without coverage, some essentials—like test strips—can cost $1 or more per strip. Multiply that by multiple checks per day, and the total skyrockets.
How to Save Money on Diabetes Supplies
The key to cutting costs is being strategic. From prescription savings to store-brand gear, here are the most effective ways to reduce what you spend on diabetes care.
1. Use a Prescription Discount Program
Sites like GoodRx, SingleCare, and ScriptSave WellRx let you compare prices at local pharmacies and offer coupons that can bring down costs—sometimes by 80% or more.
Best for:
Insulin
Test strips
Glucose meters
Oral medications
Just search your medication, print or text the coupon, and bring it to the pharmacy.
2. Switch to Store Brands
Big pharmacy chains and retailers now offer private-label diabetes products that cost much less than name brands.
Popular low-cost brands include:
ReliOn (Walmart): Glucose meters for under $10, test strips for $9 per 50-count
Up & Up (Target): Budget-friendly alcohol swabs and lancets
CVS Health: Affordable testing supplies and glucose monitors
These store-brand options meet FDA standards and often perform just as well as their pricier counterparts.
3. Explore Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, many drug manufacturers and nonprofits offer free or heavily discounted supplies.
Where to apply:
Insulin manufacturers like Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi have PAPs for their insulin brands.
NeedyMeds.org and RxAssist.org help match you with available programs.
Eligibility usually depends on income and insurance status, but it’s worth applying—even middle-income families can qualify.
4. Buy in Bulk or Through Mail-Order Pharmacies
Purchasing a three-month supply often costs less per item than refilling monthly. Mail-order services may also offer free shipping, saving both time and money.
Top options:
Insurance-backed mail-order pharmacies
Online services like Diabetic Warehouse or Discount Diabetic Supplies
Subscription services for test strips like Accu-Chek’s SimplePay
Just double-check expiration dates and read customer reviews before purchasing.
5. Try a Subscription Box
For those with Type 2 diabetes or who don’t require insulin, subscription services can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get essentials delivered.
Examples:
MySugr Bundle: Includes a connected glucose meter, strips, and coaching.
One Drop: Offers unlimited test strips with app-based tracking.
These bundles can lower your monthly costs and keep you from running out of supplies.
Compare Common Supply Costs
Here’s a breakdown of what you might pay for common diabetes items with and without cost-saving strategies:
| Item | Full Retail Price | With Discount/Coupon | With Store Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glucose Meter | $25–$60 | $10–$25 | $9 (ReliOn) |
| Test Strips (50-count) | $35–$60 | $15–$30 | $9 (ReliOn) |
| Lancets (100-count) | $10–$20 | $5–$10 | $4–$7 |
| Insulin (vial) | $100–$350 | $35 (via GoodRx) | N/A |
| Alcohol Swabs (100-count) | $5–$10 | $2–$5 | $2–$4 |
Note: Prices can vary based on location and availability.
Insulin-Specific Savings
Insulin can be one of the most financially painful parts of managing diabetes. Thankfully, several programs and policies have emerged to reduce the burden.
Ways to get affordable insulin:
Walmart’s ReliOn Insulin: Available over the counter for $25 per vial
Manufacturer coupons: Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi offer savings cards that can lower copays to $35/month
State programs: Some states cap insulin costs at $35/month regardless of insurance (check your state’s policy)
You can also talk to your doctor about switching to older insulin formulas that are less expensive but still effective.
When to Avoid the Cheapest Option
Affordability matters, but not at the expense of safety. Avoid buying from unverified online sources, as counterfeit or expired supplies can be dangerous. Always use FDA-approved products and trusted pharmacies.
Also, be sure any glucose meter or strip you use is calibrated correctly to avoid inaccurate readings that could impact your treatment.
Talk to Your Doctor or Pharmacist
It’s easy to assume your current supplies are the only options—but healthcare providers often know of programs or alternatives that can cut costs significantly.
Ask them about:
Lower-cost brands or generics
Prescription bundles or 90-day supplies
Recommendations for subscription or online services
You may also be eligible for free samples or trial programs through your clinic or pharmacy.
Staying Healthy Without Overspending
You shouldn’t have to choose between managing your diabetes and paying the rent. From prescription discounts to private-label test strips, there are plenty of ways to save on essential diabetes supplies without sacrificing your health.
Start by reviewing what you’re using, comparing prices, and asking for help. Small changes—like switching to a store brand or using a discount card—can lead to big savings over time.
