Attention all diabetes patients! Do you constantly find yourself struggling to afford your insulin medication? Well, we’ve got some exciting news for you. The long-awaited insulin price cut has finally arrived, and it’s set to make a huge impact on the lives of millions of people living with diabetes. So sit tight, buckle up, and get ready to explore how this much-needed reduction in insulin costs will benefit those who need it most.

How does the price cut impact patients?

The price cut will have a positive impact on patients by making insulin more affordable. It is estimated that the new price will save patients $2.3 billion over the next five years. The price cut is also expected to increase access to insulin for people with diabetes who are struggling to afford the treatment.

What are the alternatives to insulin?

There are a few different classes of drugs that can be used as alternatives to insulin. These include sulfonylureas, meglitinides, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and DPP-4 inhibitors. Each of these works in a slightly different way to help control blood sugar levels, but they all have the same goal of ultimately lowering A1C levels.

Sulfonylureas are the oldest class of diabetes drugs and have been around for over 50 years. They work by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. Meglitinides work in a similar way, but they act faster and don’t last as long.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a newer class of diabetes drugs that work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1. This hormone helps to lower blood sugar by increasing insulin release and also slowing down gut absorption of glucose. DPP-4 inhibitors work by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down GLP-1, which in turn leads to higher levels of active GLP-1 in the body and improved blood sugar control.

All of these alternative diabetes drugs have been shown to be effective at lowering A1C levels when used alone or in combination with each other. Insulin will always remain the most effective treatment for lowering blood sugar levels, but these alternatives can be helpful for some people who are unable to take insulin or have difficulty using it effectively.

How can patients save money on insulin?

The list price of insulin has nearly tripled in the last decade, so it’s no wonder that patients are looking for ways to save money on this life-saving medication. While the recent announcement of a $2 per vial price cut by Eli Lilly may help some patients, there are still many ways that patients can save money on insulin.

One way to save money is to use an insulin pump instead of injections. Insulin pumps can be expensive, but they may be covered by insurance. Patients who use insulin pumps typically require less insulin than those who take injected insulin, so over time, the cost savings can be significant.

Another way to save money on insulin is to purchase it from a Canadian pharmacy. Insulin prices in Canada are much lower than in the United States, so patients can often save 50% or more off the list price of their medication. There are several reputable Canadian pharmacies that sell insulin online, so patients should do their research before making a purchase.

Finally, patients can ask their doctor about using a cheaper basal insulin instead of a brand name option like Lantus or Toujeo. Basal insulins provide background coverage and are typically taken once or twice daily. They are not as effective as brand name options, but they can still provide good glycemic control and may be significantly less expensive.