Diabetes can be an expensive disease to manage, especially if you have inadequate health insurance coverage. Here’s how to make your healthcare dollars stretch a little further.

1. Shop around for meters. Virtually every blood glucose monitor manufacturer offers rebates for a free or next-to-nothing meter at some point in time. In some cases, a monitor may be offered free with the purchase of test strips. Ask your diabetes educator (CDE) or pharmacist for leads on current meter deals, and see #6, below, for test strip tips.

2. Ask for samples. Talk to your doctor or CDE about diabetes medication or supply samples to help defray your costs and to allow you to try before you buy.

3. Buy bulk. If low-carb prepared foods are a part of your diabetes meal plan, your wallet may be dropping some weight. Shop warehouse stores to buy bulk for better prices. If you’re shopping regular retail, stock up when it goes on sale.

4. Consider the cafeteria. Ask your employer if they offer a cafeteria plan (also called a flexible spending account, or FSA). An FSA allows you to set aside a certain amount of your pretax paycheck in an account for allowable, unreimbursable medical expenses and dependent care. This allows you to save on items your insurance may not cover—such as eyeglasses or extra test strips.

5. Go to an Expo. Don’t pass up the chance to visit a healthcare fair or an ADA Diabetes Expo: if one comes to your town. You’ll find plenty of product freebies and rebates, as well as good information and interesting speakers.

6. Get generic. Test strips for blood glucose monitors are probably one of the biggest expenses of regular diabetes care. When you go to buy a monitor, find out how much the test strips cost and take that into consideration when budgeting your health care dollars. In some cases, lower-cost generic or store brand test strips may be an option. You can also talk to your doctor about generic options for your prescription drugs.

7. Visit dLifeValues. dLife members get special offers on diabetes products and services from our partners. Join dLife for member access - it's free.

Have a tip that has helped you to better manage your diabetes or your healthcare expenses? Email us and we may feature it in a future article or consumer tips series. You can also share your ideas in the dLife Community Forum.