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The Increased Cost to the Poor
How does the cost of increased blood glucose testing and more injections affect those with lower incomes? According to the third National Health and Nutrition Survey, "those without health insurance are twice as likely to suffer a lack of food as those who have health insurance."
Many Americans have to make a choice between paying for diabetes care and paying for food. Ongoing reductions in the federal food stamp program have affected over half of all low-income families. In a Minnesota survey called "Hunger in an Adult Patient Population," by Nelson et al., (JAMA, 1998 April 15; 279 (15): 1211-1214), it was found that 61 percent of 170 insulin-using adults reported hypoglycemic reactions, and 31 percent attributed this to the inability to afford food. If one cannot afford food, one certainly cannot afford the extra glucose strips and syringes. Furthermore, will there be a suitable mix of high-carbohydrate snacks handy to treat hypoglycemia when it occurs, or a square meal to fend off the next one?
Transferring to human insulin requires a doctor, which requires health insurance. It also involves more frequent testing, and more money for supplies. Children are especially vulnerable in such a situation. Of all poor children under 6 years of age, 21 percent without health insurance have no usual source of care.
Categories: Blood Glucose, Diabetes, Food, Health Insurance, Insulin, Low Blood Sugar, Syringes
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Diabetes Health
Diabetes Health is the essential resource for people living with diabetes- both newly diagnosed and experienced as well as the professionals who care for them. We provide balanced expert news and information on living healthfully with diabetes. Each issue includes cutting-edge editorial coverage of new products, research, treatment options, and meaningful lifestyle issues.
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Topics
- Diabetic / Diabetes Health
- Type 1 / 1.5 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Blood Glucose / Sugar
- High/Low Blood Sugar / Fast Acting Glucose
- Insulin- Pumps, Pens & Syringes
- Continuous Glucose Monitors, CGM, Infusion Sets
- Type 2 Medications
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
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