How much does the average diabetic spend on insulin?

Asked by: Terrill Hamill  |  Last update: July 19, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (61 votes)

From 2014 to 2019, the average annual insulin price rose 55% from $3,819 to $5,917 (Table 1). Monthly out-of-pocket cost for insulin in the covered phase increased 18% from $49 to $58. Accounting for all Part D phases, the projected yearly out-of-pocket cost for insulin increased 11% from $1,199 to $1,329.

How much does the average person spend on insulin?

Average out-of-pocket spending per insulin prescription was $54 in 2020 – over 50% more than the proposed $35 monthly copay cap for insulin – but spending on many insulin products was higher.

What is the cost of insulin for diabetics?

The cost of insulin injections in India can vary depending on the type of insulin, brand, and dosage prescribed. On average, a vial of insulin may cost between INR 150 to INR 500, and the monthly cost for insulin therapy can range from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 or more, depending on the specific insulin regimen.

What is the $25 insulin at Walmart?

You may be familiar with Novolin ReliOn, Walmart's $25 human insulin. While the human insulin option is less expensive, newer analog insulins (such as NovoLog) are more effective at managing blood sugar swings and minimizing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and weight gain.

Why is insulin so expensive without insurance?

The increase in expenditures for insulin was primarily due to the change in prescribing from less expensive animal and human insulins to more expensive insulin analogs and by an increase in the price of all available insulins.

Diabetes Besties – Episode 3: How much insulin do I take?

31 related questions found

Do diabetics get free prescriptions?

If you take diabetes medicine, you're entitled to free prescriptions for all your medicines, including medicines for other conditions. To claim your free prescriptions, you'll need to apply for an exemption certificate. To apply for an exemption certificate: fill in an FP92A form at your GP surgery.

What do diabetics get free?

Most Medicaid enrollees receive insulin for free or at a significantly reduced cost. However, each state makes its own determination about which diabetes medications and supplies are covered through its Medicaid program.

What is the average cost of diabetes medication?

Over the same time period, the authors estimated a 38% increase in the number of people using glucose-lowering drugs (from 15.3 to 21.1 million) and a 147% increase in the average annual cost per user (from $1,106 to $2,727).

How many vials of insulin is a 90 day supply?

Therefore, six vials are needed to cover the patient's basal needs for the 90-day period. Remember, opened insulin vials should be thrown out after 28 days.

What do diabetics do if they can't afford insulin?

If you can't afford a medicine, ask your team if you can switch to a different, less expensive medicine. Your team may suggest other ways to help you save money, such as using free samples of glucose test strips or other supplies or contacting local programs that may provide financial support.

Is insulin cheaper than metformin?

These findings suggested that metformin is a cost-effective option than insulin. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis showed that the model was robust.

How much insulin does a diabetic need per day?

People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes usually start with two injections of insulin per day of two different types of insulin and generally progress to three or four injections per day of insulin of different types.

What is the highest cost of insulin?

Across all insulin types, the price of a 30-day supply of insulin increased from $271 in 2012 to $499 in 2021, a 184% increase. As shown in Figure 1, from 2012 to 2016, insulin prices increased at the highest rate, nearly doubling, and reaching just over $500 for a 30-day supply in 2016.

How long does one vial of insulin last?

The ADA guidelines reference throwing out insulin vials after 1 month. The manufacturers list 28 days.

Is there any financial help for diabetics?

The American Diabetes Association has partnered with Patient Advocate Foundation to make the Diabetes Co-Pay Relief fund possible. For further resources for Diabetes or to connect with the American Diabetes Association visit https://www.diabetes.org/resources.

What is the average cost of diabetes per person?

The average economic cost per person was projected to be $13,240 for diagnosed diabetes, $4,250 for undiagnosed diabetes, $500 for prediabetes, and $5,800 for GDM.

What is the cost of a 30 day supply of metformin?

The cost for metformin 1000 mg oral tablet is around $10 for a supply of 30 tablets, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. This price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.

What do you get free when diabetic?

Free prescriptions – your rights

If you take medication for your diabetes, you do not have to pay for it. You have a legal right to free prescriptions for diabetes medication. But if you're in England and under 60, you'll need to get and fill in a medical exemption certificate to claim.

Why do doctors no longer recommend metformin?

The current drug labeling strongly recommends against metformin use in some patients whose kidneys do not work normally because use of metformin in these patients can increase the risk of developing a serious and potentially deadly condition called lactic acidosis, in which too much lactic acid builds up in the blood.

How much is insulin at Walmart without insurance?

ReliOn™ Novolin® N is available behind the pharmacy counter without a prescription & is priced starting at $24.88 for a 10-ml vial & $42.88 for a pack of 5 pens.

Do you get free glasses if you're diabetic?

Having diabetes can make us more susceptible to certain health issues and so people with diabetes qualify for free sight tests and, if your diabetes is treated with medication, no prescription charges. To qualify for free prescriptions, you need to apply for a medical exemption certificate.

What is the best drink to lower blood sugar?

Connect with a primary care physician
  1. Water. Water indirectly lowers our blood sugar by giving us the sensation of feeling full. ...
  2. Unsweetened teas. Unsweetened teas contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation and lower our overall blood sugars. ...
  3. Black coffee.

What is the new drug replacing metformin?

Dapagliflozin is usually prescribed if: you have type 2 diabetes and cannot take metformin. the medicine you have been taking is not controlling your blood sugar properly – this may mean taking dapagliflozin with other diabetes medicines at the same time.