[paytonholland]

It can't just be me. All parents of Type 1 diabetics must experience the same issues. There has to be a better way.
If we're diligent, and checking blood sugars every 2 hours, we are able to figure out, adapt, and maintain fairly consistent numbers and a good A1c using plain old fingersticks and the old standby Lantus + Humalog/Novolog combo. This means my kid (being a hungry teen) is getting about 5 injections a day. In addition to the 8 to 10 fingersticks. These all have an element of pain to them and therefore suck. There is technology out there that would enable me to sleep through the night (CGM) and pumps have proven to be better at maintaining good numbers, and therefore better health for him. But, if you're a super diligent, pain in the butt parent, like me, you're not eligible because the kid has "good control". So, let me get this straight... in order for my child to have the best care out there, we have to first demonstrate less competency, less effectiveness? Talk about broken healthcare! For my child to have the same advantages, I'd have to shell out of pocket roughly the same amount as a used car, punished for spending hours pouring over nutritional info and BG graphs unlocking what his particular quirks are and adjusting accordingly? How many parents give into this sick cycle and let their children suffer through a season of "poor control" just to get access to the latest technology, I wonder?
Anyone found a way around this madness?
-A frustrated Mom.

[mtendler]

Frustrated Mom-

I can't even imagine what you're going through. My mother went through the same thing when I was diagnosed in college, however I don't think she really understood the severity of diabetes because I didn't grow up with it/wasn't around her.

Your post brings up a really good point that I have been wrestling with: Originally, one of the categories of this forum was going to be "D Tips & D Tricks" in which I would encourage users to share tactics of getting insurance coverage, ways to trade unused medication or test strips, etc. however I thought that the legal ramifications would be too severe. It would be great if there was some kind of community that could address some of these real life issues.

[paytonholland]

Just had to vent... Going from a NY insurance plan with 100% coverage for diabetic supplies with no copay, to a GA plan with $60 copays for lantus, etc. each, hasn't helped my view of the healthcare system any.

[dano]

I feel your pain. I have a son who had onset Diabetes Type I at the age of ten (10). I have had similar problems in the past with jobs and insurance companies while trying to take care of my son. I had decent insurance at the onset and changed jobs within two (2) years, this left me with basically no insurance. I had to change jobs again for the insurance, which put me into a company that had very good insurance.

I am here to tell you that there is help for you. The next time you are at your care provider in GA explain to the Doctor about the problems you are having with the cost of the Lantus. Doctors get samples of the medicines, that they prescribe, and give them out as necessary. Also, ask the Doctor if the manufacturer of the drug has any programs to help. Many of the drug manufacturers have similar programs to help with the off-set cost of their product. I hope this helps!

[palmer748]

I did not realize you could get turned down for a pump by your insurance company if your managing well! This is outrageous and I share your frustration.

My daughter was diagnosed a week ago and we are still in the honeymoon stage. I have heard so many good things about the pump and our plan was to get one as soon as this phase is over. But I guess that will be out of the question.

[mpace]

Don't bet on not being able to get one, and I wouldn't wait for honeymoon to be over. My son was dx'd in last July at age 9, and we're switching to the pump this week. We've been "practicing" this past week with saline, and I can see how much of an impact getting a pump is going to have on him. In order for our insurance to approve it, all we needed was to take detailed food logs for 3 days, test 4+ times a day, document that he goes low at least once a week, and have an A1C under 8. He's actually in what they call tight control at this point, his last A1C was under 6, and he usually goes low on gym days. No matter what we do with meds/food, he's always in the 70's at lunch on gym days. We're actually hoping the pump will help with that because we can set a temp basal rate so he gets less insulin for an hour or so before gym.

[calj737]

My 7 year old son was diagnosed 15 days ago, and like you Payton, we are monitoring every 60-90 minutes. Yes, the pump has great appeal to us too. However, and I suggest everyone that reads this try this, we have been using acupuncture treatments and have seen his daily dose of Humolog drop DRASTICALLY. Within the first 2 weeks his average dose was 29 units and Lantus was 12. He know averages 1.1 units daily with 10 Lantus, and still we are looking to improve.

I realize this is not a direct response to your dilemma with HealthCare and costs, but in a roundabout way it is. We are attempting to cure our kid (at least get his body functioning properly) so he can live a very normal life without insulin injections. I know there is no "cure" currently, but we seek a cure to the treatment and expense.

Our current hypothesis is this: because of his age, the length of time between onset and diagnosis/first treatment, we believe we may actually be able to re-stimulate his pancreas/spleen to more effectively metabolize glucose. We found this app the day after and have diligently logged EVERYTHING. Our nurse thinks we are too analytical but really its a matter of being advocates for our kid.

He does not eat a restricted diet, is very active and we normally eat in a pretty healthy manner. But give it a try and log the reaction. In our case, the data does not lie.

Hope this helps or inspires more people to find a way out of this inulin mess! A great big thanks to the folks a Glucose Buddy for their app, site and tools.

Be well and good luck!

[mazie]

Thank god I am in England all costs are covered at the point of need it's never being an issue since diagnosis , they are reluctant to hand pumps out willy Nilly but my child doesn't want 1 Dr said When she wants 1 she can have1 and we have good levels , I just wonder will the national health service ever get the chop as we all here take it for granted when I hear your issues across the pond , I used to think why do I have to pay all these contributions For years on end as I am 42 and never had a health problem all my life but since my daughters diagnosis I see were the money goes . God bless Great Britain and it ideology
Surly to god America should have something in place by now it 2010 but hey who knows England going backwards alot of things getting cut , were having riots here regarding student fees , mass demos up and down country, if they were to try and cut child healthcare then I would openly insight riots myself

[griffen_1981]

As well as I being in Canada I'm covered too. I only pay a very small fee for processing. I was going to see if people are in need of monitors or other old supplies I have here. I would love to help families in need.

[LadyHarrod]

I haven't had to deal with this yet my diabetic is so young they r pushing for the pump to help maintain her levels I find keeping a 4 year old out of the pantry and kitchen is a large challenge along with having a healthy 2 year old who wants to eat everything as well. I'm hoping her age helps us get this pump faster I was told u weren't allowed to purchase them without insurance is that true and does jdrf help you any??