I suspect I should be on metformin, but don't have insurance for the doctor

Diabetes Advocacy Self Advocacy
1

I suspect I should be on metformin, but....no insurance...etc and in US

So, I'm starting to think that metformin seems like a good idea between my fluctuating FBGs and my family history of D2, but I don't have insurance to cover the doctor visits.

Logically it sound like I could go to a reduced fee clinic, since I qualified for mental health services here, but...

In this area, the medical clinics on a sliding scale work on household income. While my personal income is $0, I live with (and help) my 82 year old mother. She has income from SS and retirement and apparently that would count towards our household income. I really can't impact her finances any more than I do anyway. Plus, I moved up here 2.5 years ago, and haven't found employment with insurance since. I'm worried that getting an official diagnosis of D2 would make getting a job even harder. (plus not betting on ACA surviving political slaughter at some point)

I feel awful about this all. I had insurance for all my working life and worked full-time up until 2.5 years ago, but finding a job just isn't happening. Apparently, I'm too old (56!), or I don't speak Spanish, or I can't lift 50 lbs regularly even though it's not a physical job description, or..... ARGGHHHHH! So now I'm just another drain on society.

The only option I can think of right now is to find somewhere that sells glucophage without a scrip online, and there is a world of potential trouble...from is it the real thing, to does it even show up, to legal ramifications.

Ideas? What am I missing? HELP!

Pre-diabetes diagnosed 2009
Almost certainly undiagnosed Type 2 (self tested 160s in past)
126 FBG April 2013
94 FBG, 5.4 A1C May 2013
102 Average daily BG July 2013
195 lbs January 2013, 169.6 lbs July 2013, Goal 135
Currently no meds
Testing FBG, pre-meal, 1 & 2 hour PP and bedtime
LCHF diet <30 gms/day, walking 3 to 4 miles and weights

2

Well....never heard about getting it online without a script but if you can get a script metformin is one of the drugs that you can get at Walmart for $4 if you don't have insurance. Believe that is for a 30 day supply but it could be for a 90 day. Not sure but I do know it is on the list. Check it out.

Mike

3

Try talking to the people at the various clinics. Maybe if you talk to a office manager and explain your situation, they'll let you in. You might try calling a few walk in clinics, explain you are pre-diabetic, and find out ahead of time if they'd prescribe it. Shouldn't be expensive. You might try out a crowd funding website,and then do a general request for donations to get you the money to see the doctor. Also, if you haven't cut out sugars and starches (going low carb). That and exercise/weight loss will do a lot towards lowering A1C.

4

"Testing FBG, pre-meal, 1 & 2 hour PP and bedtime
LCHF diet <30 gms/day, walking 3 to 4 miles and weights"

I successfully got my numbers down nicely, but now the FBGs are heading up again despite the dietary and exercise changes. LCHF since January, <30 since April, 6-12-12 since early July. FBGs have recently started to hit the 120-130s again despite that. @#$%!

I will try talking to the local clinics - although it looks like only one is even a possibility.

5

You have done a lot to help yourself. Losing significant weight, adopting a LCHF diet, and exercising regularly squarely address your health issues.

I you were able to see a doctor and get the prescription, how much would that cost? Would you have to continue to see him/her? I agree with you that slowly rising fasting blood glucose even though you've lost weight, eat a low carb diet, and exercise, is a concern. Perhaps Metformin would help you. You should pursue this with a doctor. Your instincts are good.

Don't give up on the ACA. It may deliver more than you hope. We'll see.

6

Do you live near any low cost convenience clinics such as cvs minute clinics? A practitioner can be seen there for a very low flat fee and if they rx you metformin it costs next to nothing to fill

7

As I commented to you in another forum, metformin (Glucophage) is a prescription controlled drug. I would never recommend purchasing on the internet, the risk of getting a counterfeit or tainted drug is just too great. With a fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dl, you meet the criteria for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. I hope you have a copy of those test results. With that, you should be able to convince most reasonable doctors (or physicians assistant) that you have diabetes, even if you have controlled it well. Once you have diabetes, you won't ever be "cured," you can however manage it. And you have made great progress. But the real difficulty is that most doctors are reluctant to prescribe a medication if in their view, you don't need it. And in your case, with an A1c of 5.4, most doctors will suggest you don't need it. If you can find a doctor that accepts you argument that you need it (such as at a free or walk in clinic), then you can get metformin very cheap at Walmart ($4/month). Get a prescription for a year and that would be great. But whether the doctor will grant you the prescription, that is the question.

8

Check your grocery store here in in Indiana I get my metformin for free.

9

I started on metformin 500 mg then went to 1000 mg now I’m on 2000mg with Lantus . My step dad had diabetes I had to give him his shots .