It’s nice to read an article that highlights the outrageous and often overwhelming cost of living with diabetes. While much in the article was very basic and really outdated information, I am glad that the NY Times is bringing attention to the fact that families living with diabetes have to make a lot of sacrifies to pay all of our medical bills and buy diabetes supplies.

Perhaps most challenging has been the financial stress on their parents.

Carrie and Ian Gustin have two other children and medical insurance through Mr. Gustin’s job. Still, there’s the monthly premium for a family of six and high deductibles ($3,000 for each or $6,000 for the family), plus substantial co-pays for the insulin pumps both children use, pump supplies, test strips for blood sugar and, of course, a steady insulin supply.

To cover the costs, Mrs. Gustin said, “we have to give up other choices in life. We don’t go to the zoo, the museums, the aquarium. We rarely go out to eat, we don’t order delivery foods, we only go to the dollar movie theater, and our vacations are usually to visit family. My kids hear ‘no’ quite often.” Skiing remains the main family entertainment, with costs controlled by handing down equipment. Along with trying to lead as normal a life as possible, the goal for the Gustin children and all others with Type 1 diabetes is to maintain blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible to prevent, or at least delay, potentially life-threatening complications.

Read more at: More Ways to Cope with Type 1 Diabetes.