Diabetes-testing Supplies

I agree with Christine W. My husband is type 2 also. It will depend on his numbers and your insurance. Some supplies are actually free. some of the companies give away free testing machines. Get educated. Go together with your husband.

If you havent already go to the book store and buy "The Complete Book of Food Counts." This helped us understand about carbs/how many in what foods. As a diabetic you will learn it is about carbs more than sugar. It is about eating properly and spacing meals.

Go with your husband and talk to his doctor. They may even have a diabetes educator to get him in touch with to be more thorough to explain what has been prescribed. Insurance covers a great portion most often but there may be some out of pocket expenses.

I would start by asking your doctor for various samples so you can see what works best for you. He probably gets tons of samples from various reps, so he can give you some to start out with. My hubby got a bunch of samples of "Free Style Lite," and it is SOOO painless. It literally feels like a butterfly has just landed on you. The kit is basically the disposable lancets and then the actual unit which interprets the results. Gives an instantaneous reading.

The docs will perscribe the testing supplies he needs. Insurance may or may not cover everything - depends on your policy. If you have flex spending, you should be able to get reimbursed from that account for anything not covered.

Your doctor should recommend a glucose meter and strips that are on your health plan. The doctor's office may have sample meters and strips for you to try. There is a huge variety available, but find one on your plan so the insurance will cover. Diabetes education is a very important part of this process too, for both of you. Most insurances cover diabetes education, but ask for a referral from your doctor.

His doctor will prescribe the testing supplies.
Your insurance should cover it.
The doctor's office should offer, or refer him to,
classes that teach how to test, when to test,
and how to adjust one's diet.
You should probably attend the classes with him.

www.diabetes.org

His Doctor SHOULD be telling him this information. Yes, it is covered by insurance if it is prescribed.

My Dad had Diabetes.
Learn all you can about it.

ALSO, his Doctor SHOULD BE referring him to a Nutritionist.... too, and a Specialist for Diabetes....
VERY important.

Some insurance is particular about brand for the best coverage - so, doc must prescribe that brand...it is best for your hubby to see an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist not his PCP who cannot possibly be up to date on D Care or have the support - CDE, nutritionist, etc that he needs....my daughter, 17, has had type 1 since 1997 and my brother was diagnosed in 1955...as others have said you will need training as well....good luck!