\*UPDATE: Thank you so much everyone!\* What an amazing community this is. I’ve ordered the Lingo and found a great endocrinologist near me.
I am on FOUR medications right now: Metformin, Farxiga, Januvia and TruLicity. My A1C is 9.0. It’s been steadily rising, despite adding higher doses (I’m on t
Look into Stelo or Lingo, both available without a prescription.
And Stelo is $100/month from what i saw on their website.
Yep, and if you buy 3 months at a time on a subscription, it's 15% off.
Good suggestion, thanks
Many insurances won’t pay for a CGM unless you’re on insulin. I watched this with my father. But if your A1C doesn’t come down with what you’re currently on, you’re not far from being on it.
Edit: If you have any questions, DM me. I’ve dealt with my own and my father’s diabetes for a long time.
I use stelo. No prescription required. You can order direct from manufacturer or amazon. It has a free phone app that is easy to use. The monthly sensors are ~ $90 and it comes with everything you need.
Yep, I second this. I buy Stelo sensors from their website and only need my phone. When I was first getting started I was confused about the whole sensor and reader thing too, but this all in one system is really simple.
have you used Dexcom? how does it compare?
I like the G6 but I hate the interface on my phone
I've only ever used Stelo. I switched endos and the second one was willing to write the scrip, but I have an Oura ring and the next week, they integrated with Stelo, so I stuck with it. I use Zukka to see readings every 5 minutes and set alarms.
Don't buy ANY medical device off of EBay....You have no idea what you are actually getting is real or good...
If you have a prescription for a CGM from your doctor, the pharmacy will sell them to you even if your insurance does not cover them, you will be paying A LOT for them. Several smartphones are compatible with the Dexcom or Libre, but not all of them are. There is a receiver that you could buy too, and that will be guaranteed compatible, Each site has their own compatibility list.
Look at the other options mention by another poster.
This is good advice. I will add whatever your doctor prescribes to you, reach out to the manufacturer. Let them know you affordability concerns and a lot of them will help you subsidize the cost if paying out of pocket.
You hear it on the commercials, “if you have trouble affording XXX, XXX can help.”
It’s a real thing, they are required to do it.
Can someone explain to me why CGM's can't just be bought over the counter?
In$urance purpo$e$
That's totally ridiculous if that's the reason. 😡 So there is some type of law saying xyz company can't manufacture these and sell over the counter?
They're classed as medical devices, I'm sure, which have regulations and such they need to meet. Also I'm sure there are specific patents. But insurance is always about money nonsense!
They can be. Check out the Stelo and Lingo.
Also, a prescribed CGM can be purchased for cash via Costco. Just have a doctor send a prescription to the Costco Pharmacy.
I’m in Australia so the rules are different here, but as type 2, I can buy the Libre over the counter but it costs around $130AUD. I think I can get them a little bit cheaper from their web site but it still costs me too much to use them regularly.
I don’t know your budget or needs, but I think of CGMs as a tool, not something that has to be used continuously. If NDSS subsidies aren’t an option, periodic use might make sense for you.
My plan, once my doctor considers my T2 reversed and stops meds, is to keep regular finger checks and use a CGM only occasionally, maybe once a quarter, just to confirm trends are still on track.
That keeps the data useful without turning it into a financial burden. Short, intentional use can still highlight patterns around food, sleep, and activity.
Would something like four sensors a year be workable for you?
Sounds good. I can’t afford to buy them all the time but once every few months would work 😊
You can - Dexcom Stelo.
They can be.
Without a prescription?
Nvm I just seen another post saying a few are able to be purchased without prescription.
They can now (still not in box stores yet) and it's seemingly the same exact hardware only they "aren't for diabetes" legally speaking.
Stelo is labeled as being for diabetics not on insulin
They can be pretty much everywhere except the US. I don't need a prescription to get them in Canada, only of my insurance were to cover it, which it doesn't because I don't take bolus insulin.
Use the Libre 3 manufacturer coupon. It’s $75 for two 15 day sensors
This is the answer. I was denied by my insurance but online found something Abbott calls a co-pay card and presented it to pharmacy and it’s worked for two months now
If you are on all those medication glp and your A1c is still high then you need to focus on your diet just because your own all those medication doesn’t mean you can eat whatever
Are you sure you’re a type 2? If your A1c keeps rising it might be worth evaluating that you are indeed a type 2 ir are now a type 1
Type 2 can’t become type 1 as you imply with “are now a type 1”
I meant in terms of initial diagnosis, not necessarily progression
You’re not “now a t1” if you were misdiagnosed though
Why not? What would they be then? T1s are mistakenly diagnosed as T2s all of the time. Particularly of they are LADA.
You would be surprised how many T1s that are older than 18 are misdiagnosed, particularly those in who are still in the honeymoon phase.
You’re not “now a t1” you “are t1” and you always were t1 and never were t2 if misdiagnosed
Except that literally anyone can develop T1. And T1s can and often do develop T2. You can have both
Most insurance (US) won't cover a cgm unless you're on some type of insulin. Have you spoken with your endocrinologist about insulin? With that A1c and all the other meds, I'm surprised you're not at least on a basal... but I am also not your doctor and don't know your situation.
I haven’t been to an endo yet but my pcp recently suggested it. I have to get pre-auth for everything. I just want the CGM so I can get a better idea of what I’m doing that raises it. With all these meds, I can get hypoglycemic very suddenly, and that scares the crap outta me.
Id personally just get the insulin prescription to get the CGM covered and not take the insulin unless I can’t get it under control with diet and the CGM.
This is what scares me about your post. I'm type 2, was on insulin, was put on Mounjaro and it started working immediately. If I didn't have a CGM, I might have wound up in the hospital. I had to back off the insulin that quickly.
The same is true for my sister when she started Ozempic, no insulin, but the glp-1 is so effective that with other meds it could bottom you out quickly.
I think anyone starting a glp-1 should have a CGM at least while they're getting used to it and dosage adjustments are being made.
BTW, Trulicity is a glp-1 for anyone who didn't know. I suspect since this is a diabetes subreddit, most everyone does know. And then, I'm thinking, yeah but the ones recently talked about are always Ozempic and Mounjaro, so just in case.
Products like Stelo were made specifically to help fill the gap for non-insulin using diabetics, as most insurers sadly won’t cover this population. You can get Stelo on Amazon!
For what it's worth, you don't get much benefit from taking a GLP-1 (Trulicity) with a DPP4 (Januvia). This combo isn't approved by the FDA. You should talk to your doctor about getting one of them discontinued and save some money.
Edit: I'm a clinical pharmacist working in primary care and nephrology. Always check with your prescribers!!!!
Oh, thanks for this. First I've heard of any issues. I'm on Januvia and Ozempic, though I've got heart issues too. Time to talk to my endo.
GLP-1s are showing some good results in cardiovascular outcomes as are the SGLT2S (Jardiance, Farxiga). Although trialed and approved for diabetes, they are used frequently in heart failure and reducing progression of kidney disease. So while your A1c won't necessarily improve with a DPP4 and GLP combo, you may have other potential benefits.
Transfer your prescription to Amazon pharmacy.
This - use one bureaucracy to fight another
Try a diabetic supply distributor, they’re used to this BS. My endo’s office switched me over to US MED and that finally did the trick. I’m type 1.5, which there is no insurance code for, so it has been a wild bureaucratic ride
So..... that's why my endo opted for just using the code for type 1..... even though with my history of presenting as type 2 I should be listed as 1.5.....
Are you still 1.5?
I ask because I was a 1.5 and couldnt get a pump or cgm due to my pancreas still randomly working.
Once it stopped producing insulin altogether they told me I was just a 1 now and I got an ilet and G7, loke you apparently.
according to my C-peptide result, I'm still producing some insulin but endo said that it is likely crappy quality.
she also said that because I came back positive for two of the three antibodies (gad65 and IAA), it's easier to just use the diagnostic codes for type 1 with insulin resistance.
because of my history, I use the term lada/type 1.5.
ultimately, type 1 and 1.5 are pretty much the same thing in the end. both require positive antibodies. 1.5 just makes a pit stop at type 2 with insulin resistance and high blood sugar before the immune system finishes off the insulin producing cells..... at least of what I understand.
Bingo
Which pharmacy is giving you this pain? It seems like the pharmacist is abusing his authority here. Try Costco or a different pharmacy. Members at Costco routinely report that they can get FSL3+ (Abbott CGM) for $75 per month (cash pay with member discount).
Yep, at Sam's club it cost me $79.00 for two libre 3+.
Libre 3+ are $75 a month with manufacturer coupon.
Some insurances that will cover CGMs under their pharmacy benefits, while others classify them as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Call your insurance provider and see if they cover them as DME. Then ask which suppliers are preferred/in-network.
Try this: Have the script for the cgm sent to a different pharmacy and don't put insurance on file with that one, pay cash.
Bonus get a membership at Costco or Sam's club. At Sam's club with a plus membership the cgm (libre) is about the same cost with insurance at other pharmacies. Last I checked. Then you get cash back and use that to renew your membership.
When I first faced insurance denial for my CGM, I felt frustrated and lost. I ended up talking to my doctor, learning how to use the device with my phone, and paying out of pocket. It was costly but life-changing.
So I'm not giving you any medical advice here but that is strangely similar to my prior situation. Were you tested for antibodies before your official diagnosis? I never was and instead of being type two, which I was shoved into because I was 24, I'm actually 1.5/type 1 because I have multiple antibodies
Most insurance companies will approve CGMs if you're on insulin or if you have multiple recorded lows that doctors can see.
I haven’t & it’s been like 6 years. My PCP recently suggested that I go to a specialist, and I’m going. I think I’m pretty confident it’s type 2 because I used to drink 6-8 cans of coke per day. I was warned, and I did cut down, but it was inevitable, it seems.
The day I was diagnosed I switched to Coke Zero & I’ve had only one regular coke in 6 years… it was gross!
I would go get tested just in case. LADA is slow onset, so it could just be that you're to the point where you're needing insulin and oral medication just doesn't work anymore. It also could just be that you're a type 2 that needs insulin, but its worth the blood test because apparently doctors just don't test nowadays.
my insurance won’t cover it either. i was paying out of pocket but to me it’s not worth it as they would come off within minutes sometimes. if i did manage to keep them on, it would lose signal in the middle of the night and the alarm would go off. despite me turning off the alarms and phone being on silent. just a money grab to me
T2D here- have you called your insurance and asked about CGM coverage? It might be covered as Durable Medical Equipment (aka DME) vs a Pharmacy benefit (it’d have to be on your formulary). Source: health insurance CSR for 9 years and I’ve been teaching it for 3yrs now. And others have echoed, double check your type of diabetes. Being a T2 and on all sorts of diabetic meds, my plan covers the Libres. Good luck OP!
We were paying quite a bit for dexcom g7s but our endo recommended us to get them through
https://advanceddiabetessupply.com/
It was a bit of a process but our insurance will give them to us for free if we go through that company. Idk if that will help with your situation but it might be worth the conversation with them and your insurance
If in the US (don't know if avail. in other countries), call Abbott 1 (855) 632-8658 and ask them to check if you qualify for their discount voucher. most people seem to end up paying $75 bucks for 2 Libre 3+'s per month. and you will need a prescription.
I get libre 3 sensors. No insurance runs about $40 for a 14day sensor. Get your doc to give you a rx and bypass your insurance.
Try going through durable medical equipment (DME) coverage. My G7 has been covered off and on through medical equipment, then prescription, now back to DME. I use Byram as my supplier.
I pay $67 for 2 packages of Libre 3 plus at Costco. 30-day supply. I agree. If a medical professional diagnoses me as diabetic, then CGM should be covered. However, unless we are on insulin, it's an out-of-pocket cost.
First who is your insurance? as unless it is cut rate they all cover it.
secondly, your insurance can NOT dictate what you pay cash for, so it sounds like you need a new pharmacy.
I have united health care commercial, I only pay 39.99/mo for my freestyle libre 3plus sensors. and it continuously sends data to my phone(and my doctors office with libre link)
Look into the details, but if your doctor will write a prescription, this discount card will cap your pay at $75/month, even if you’re uninsured.
Where do you live? If you are in the US Your insurance company/pharmacy can’t prevent you from buying out of pocket.
My doctor sent my prescription to Costco and I pay $196 for 6 pods of Libre Freestyle 3 plus so that’s 3 months worth. It’s compatible with my Samsung Galaxy phone.
Definitely look to the non prescription versions that are much cheaper. Since you aren’t on insulin you don’t need a number every 5 minutes.
My insurance didn’t cover CGM no issue paying cash for one at pharmacy. Seems weird they would not sell you one. All you need is the prescription. As long as they get paid.
It depends on the phone. They need to test each phone that they make the app available on due to it being a medical device. I have a Dexcom 6 that is not compatible with my Moto G Stylus due to it not having been tested by Dexcom, so I have a special receiver device.
It's insane to me that insurance can block you from paying cash.
I’m T2 and use Libre 14 (cgm) and use a phone app they have as my reader. I also have an Accu-check Guide Me meter as a back up. If insurance won’t cover the cgm, I know from experience, you can call Abbott (they make the Libre line) you can get into a discount program with them. I can get 6 cgms (3 month supply) for $250. About $30 more than what I pay with my insurance. They will send you a reusable coupon via email that’s good for a year. You will just need a prescription from your doc for the cgm for the pharmacy. Show them the coupon and they will apply the discount.
I’m not T2 and doc won’t even write the prescription since insurance won’t pay for CGM unless I’m T2. Started using Lingo for about a week now using an introductory offer. I use with an iPhone. Thinking certain foods create a spike and actually seeing the numbers spike on my iPhone is very helpful and eye opening. I’ve only used Lingo for a week, not an expert and definitely don’t know how it compares to other brands available with or without a prescription. Here’s a hellolingo.com, 10% off code, REF-US-0dukaaSerAB
not a doctor, but curious -- how were diagnosed with T2? Was it just found out you had diabetes, and it was assumed you were T2? Or did you get the autobody panel done?
Not yet but doing that soon
you may want to hold off on the CGM -- if you are put on fast acting insulin as a result of the test then you may be able to get the CGM covered without an issue. No point making more work for yourself in the meantime.
The Dexcom G7 goes straight to your phone and/or smart watch, no reader required. It’s the newest Dexcom though so I’m not sure how expensive it is.
It's not cheap. BCBS won't "cover" it for me, but the discounted price, with the savings coupon, was $78 for one sensor (10 day).
You can get a free sample coupon from Dexcom.
I don't have insurance, but I got a prescription for a freestyle libre 3 plus. It's $75 a month. It sounds to me like you should look into low-carb/keto diets. Food can be very effective at fixing broken metabolisms.
I have dexcoms I can send!
If you’re not adjusting insulin doses based on the cgm results then you likely don’t need the expense of a cgm. You can learn how to adjust your diet to improve your blood sugars through fingerpricking. Realistically you aren’t going to be able to do anything with all the extra info a cgm gives you.
My insurance won’t cover a CGM even though some of the meds were causing it to drop super low and I only get one test strip a day covered. It’s a nightmare.
Reduce the meds then
I quit them
Suggest you get a nutritionist. My insurance paid for Nourish. Online sessions with great food tracking app. My insurance also does not pay for CGM. I'm using stelo. It has an app on the phone. Before that I did finger prick and tracked on spreadsheet.
CGM devices are confusing to me. I get the patches, but do I need a special reader or can I just use my phone?
For the Dexcom G6: I've never used the G7
The patches are called Sensors. 3 to a box. Sensors last 10 days, so 30 day supply.
You will also need the Dexcom Transmitter. this "talks" to the Dexcom phone app or the Dexcom Receiver (which is not required if you have a compatible phone) via bluetooth. Transmitters last 90 days.
Dexcom Stello, you may want some over patches, may not. Depends on your lifestyle, but they're good to have extras of.
My stelo held on pretty well and over patches didnt stay on like I had hoped, so I'll see if I use one on this next one or not (only my first time using a CGM). My insurance is terrible and won't cover CGMs either... I'm T2, possible T1.5/LADA (pending testing) and my doctor recommended Stelo. They tried it themselves and I found it to be pretty accurate to my fingersticks.
You should consult several Endocrinologists, you might better control your glucose using an insulin pump. My insurance covers my pump and cgm…..I can’t understand why your doesn’t……cgms are classified as “durable medical equipment, covered by most all insurances.