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Practically fail safe. Supplies for this combo are easy to obtain almost anywhere.

Next Steps

Meter

Meter

Because there are so many options, and they don't have huge differences - the best thing to do is see what options your insurance companies will cover. The best way to find that out is through your doctor.

Contact

If you have specific wants with a meter - like connecting to your phone, or your pump - the best place to start would be to google your question.

Walgreens

Syringe and Vial

Syringe and Vial

Understand your cost at your local pharmacy.

Contact

Insulin Cost Overview

Priorities

Comfort

  • Have to carry supplies
  • Nothing on your body

    • Active Lifestyle

  • Must pause activity to check blood sugar
  • No way to adjust long acting insulin for higher activity on the fly

    • Avoiding Highs and Lows

  • Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do
  • This combo requires a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows

    • Easy to Use

  • No info on blood sugar trends
  • Many steps to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it

    • Easy Insulin Dosing

  • You have to do the math to figure out your dose

    • Fewer Fingersticks

  • Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable

    • Privacy

  • Hideable when not in use but very visible when in use
  • Meter requires visible blood

    • Wisdom

    Hear what others who use this device combo have to say

    I do not mind the more manual steps it involves- but realize it is not totally intuitive.

    I really don't like the idea of something stuck to my body. I like the relatively low profile pen injections have and do not mind the more manual steps it involves - but realize it is not totally intuitive.

    I’m not always sure what my blood sugar is. I do wish I could track it better without having to poke myself so much.

    Cost

    Meter

    Meter

    Meter & Fingerpricker (1 time purchase)

    Strips & Supplies

    Glucose Testing Cost Estimate

    Startup $0 to $60

    Monthly $100

    There are lots of different meters out there. It's worth seeing which are covered by insurance - they will cover some of the cost of the strips. Often your doctor can give you a meter for free, worth asking.

    Syringe and Vial

    Syringe and Vial

    Syringe ~$30 (Monthly)

    Insulin $5 to $500 (Monthly)

    Insulin Dosing Cost Estimate

    The total amount depends hugely on how much insulin you use and what your insurance covers.

    Questions for your Doctor

    Can I try this before I commit to it?

    A lot of provider offices have sample devices you can touch and feel to get a sense of how they work. Some offices even have a trial device you can use for week to see how it works for you.