49-LB: Navigating Barriers to Affording and Obtaining Diabetes Treatment

• Published in: Diabetes (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 70; no. Supplement_1
• Main Authors: WILCOX, ANNABELLE, KERANDI, LINDA, LIPSKA, KASIA J., WEINZIMER, STUART A., NALLY, LAURA M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York American Diabetes Association 01.06.2021
• Subjects: Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus (insulin dependent); Diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent); Insulin
• ISSN: 0012-1797; 1939-327X
• DOI: 10.2337/db21-49-LB

The financial and personal sacrifices made in response to the high cost of insulin and diabetes supplies may jeopardize the health of people with diabetes (PWD). Yet, little is known about the accommodations PWD make to afford and obtain basic diabetes treatments. PWD (type 1 or type 2) between the ages of 1 and 41 were recruited from a large academic center and through social media. Surveys consisted of 87 questions and were completed by the primary person obtaining/paying for diabetes medications and supplies. Of 2004 surveys sent, we received 97 (5%) responses from predominantly white (87%), non-Hispanic (84%) individuals with private health insurance (79%). In the past year, 41% reported coming within 2-3 days of running out of insulin, and 47% reported running out of diabetes supplies prior to being able to obtain a refill. Additionally, 35% indicated rationing or obtaining insulin from clinics, friends, strangers, or other countries and 41% reported making other financial sacrifices due to issues affording insulin. Sixty-one percent reported receiving unconventional support for obtaining diabetes medications or supplies (Table). In our survey, the burden of obtaining medications and supplies was widely prevalent, even among those with private insurance. Most respondents experienced at least one barrier to access. Improved access to basic diabetes treatment is needed to prevent adverse outcomes among PWD.