Written by Declan Davey on Mon Dec 30 2024.
Want to ensure you or a loved one have the right diabetic supplies to manage well after a new diagnosis?
Ever wondered whether Medicare covers diabetic supplies?
If either of the talking points above have been on your mind, then this guide on diabetes care will be worth a read. Let’s waste no time!
The question of whether Medicare covers diabetic supplies or diabetes testing supplies can be difficult to answer, so we’ll do our best to break it down as simply as possible. Still, we recommend you reference the official Medicare.gov document, Medicare Coverage of Diabetic Supplies, Services & Prevention Programs, before making any decisions.
First things first, it’s important to differentiate between Part B and Part D when it comes to diabetes care. Medicare Part B relates to medical insurance, compared with Part D, which relates to Medicare drug coverage. As the Medicare.gov document states:
“Generally, Part B covers the services that may affect people who have diabetes. Part B also covers some preventive services for people who are at risk for Diabetes.”
To qualify for coverage of supplies and supplies, you must have Medicare Part B. Whereas, the coverage of Part D includes diabetic supplies used for injecting or inhaling insulin. You have to enroll in a Medicare drug plan to get funds for the supplies in Part D.
Make sense? We hope so! Find access to the coverage tables on Medicare.gov:
MEDICARE COVERAGE OF DIABETES SUPPLIES
To view the full list of qualifying supplies, services, and programs, you can scroll through the different tables. You’ll be able to see what Medicare covers, and what percent of the payment (if anything) that you’ll have to contribute towards.
If you’re in the process of adjusting to a new diabetes diagnosis yourself or are long-distance caregiving, then these nine diabetic supplies and diabetes testing supplies can be excellent choices for safety and peace of mind.
So what are diabetes testing supplies? Let’s run through the list.
An essential part of good diabetes management is trying to keep your blood glucose at a healthy level. Blood glucose monitors help you do just that, by giving you up-to-date readings of your blood sugar.
Many monitors only need a small drop of blood, whereas others may have more complex, advanced features that require larger samples.
For those with type 1 diabetes, you may want to look for monitors that provide ketone measurements if you’re worried about the potential for ketoacidosis.
How to Test Your Blood Glucose (Sugar) Levels
Source: YouTube
It’s always advisable to seek the advice of your doctor or allocated healthcare professional to know how many times per day you should check your levels.
McKesson Blood Pressure Desk Monitor
Almost one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, and conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can leave you more vulnerable to blood pressure fluctuations.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetics should have their blood pressure reviewed every time they see their doctor.
But if you would like to measure at home, too, then a blood pressure cuff can be a great addition in between your doctor visits.
JOBST Sensifoot Diabetic Compression Socks
Symptoms of diabetes can include reduced circulation and edema, and more serious issues like diabetic neuropathy.
This neuropathy can cause numbness in the feet, pain, ulcers, and tingling or burning sensations. Definitely not ideal.
Diabetic socks (otherwise called “compression socks”) offer protection to support the toes and lower the risk of complications.
TRUEplus Chewable Glucose Tablets, Raspberry
Glutose 15 Oral Glucose Gel, 3 Per Pack, Lemon
If you’ve experienced a sudden drop in your blood sugar levels, you’ll know how unpleasant it can be.
A quick way to get that shaky, weak, or dizzy feeling under control is by consuming glucose tablets or glucose gel. These often come in different flavors and are easy to consume—perfect for a snack at home or when you’re out and about.
Gold Bond Diabetics Dry Skin Relief
With diabetes, skin can become dry, rough, and generally uncomfortable.
mySugr – Diabetes App & Blood Sugar Tracker
While the paper and pen route is still an option for jotting down your blood sugar readings, it can be an inconvenience. After all, what if you lose the notes, or accidentally spill your morning coffee over them?! This is where glucose monitor apps are useful for diabetic medical supplies.
An app can often store your data and readings over periods of days, weeks, and months, syncing to your glucose monitor with ease. You and your doctor will then be able to track your glucose and insulin levels and check for trends as time goes on. It can be motivating to see how things improve (fingers crossed!)
SUGGESTED READING: Making Family Caregiving Easier in 2021 — the Caring Village App
Let’s face it—no one likes having to prick their skin. Yet, blood samples are needed to get those vital glucose readings.
Lancets let you carry out the job a lot more simply. Their design allows you to pierce a tiny area of skin and draw blood drops to the skin surface.
These are designed as a healthy snack replacement for people with diabetes that want to control blood sugar spikes
TRUE METRIX Blood Glucose Test Strips
Glucose test strips are combined with lancets (or a lancing pen) and a blood glucose monitor for controlled diabetes management. To complete a blood sugar reading, all you need to do is carry out these four steps:
STEP ONE:
Place a test strip inside your blood glucose monitor,
STEP TWO:
Prick your fingertip with your lancet/pen.
STEP THREE:
Make sure the blood droplet touches the test strip.
STEP FOUR:
Take note of the blood sugar reading (usually displayed within a matter of seconds).
Thanks for stopping by!
We hope this guide has given you a clear idea of which diabetic supplies can help you or your loved one adapt to a new diagnosis.
If you’d like more assistance to choose the best diabetes supplies for you, please don’t hesitate to call the Carewell support team on (855) 855-1666.
Our lines are open 24/7. Or, if email is easier for you, you can contact us at support@carewell.com.
Speak soon!
The Carewell Family
RECOMMENDED READS:
Below are our top recommendations for the best creams and lotions for diabetic skin based on research and reviews from real people with diabetes who have found what works for them. We've included both diabetes-focused products (those made specifically for diabetic skin) and other moisturizers that effectively target many of the skin issues people with diabetes face.
Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
There’s no cure for diabetes, but you can take steps as a caregiver to reduce your loved one’s risk of more serious health problems. One of the easiest ways to do that is by keeping your care recipient’s blood sugar in check.
Read More >Declan Davey is a health and wellness copywriter from London, UK. His background includes roles as a psychological therapist for Islington Memory Service, where he worked with family caregivers, and as a rehab assistant at Camden Neurology & Stroke Service.