Diabetes is an insidious disease that can strike anyone at anytime. When it strikes, it is very important that you monitor you blood sugar very carefully. This needs to be done several times a day and the easiest and fastest way to determine what your blood sugar level is to use a glucometer.

Glucometers can be purchased relatively cheap, however the test strips that it uses can be very expensive, especially since you need to monitor your blood sugar several times a day.

In the past, it was difficult for some who suffer from diabetes to purchase these strips, especially if they were on social security. It often meant that they would have to choose between eating and purchasing testing strips. This was dangerous because a proper diet is critical for those who suffer from diabetes.

Recent changes in health laws have been passed and insurance companies now cover up to eight percent of the cost of testing supplies, which include not only the strips, also the glucometer and batteries. There are also financial assistance groups that are available for those who do not have insurance or have very little money. There are guidelines that need to be followed very closely in order to be approved for a free glucometer.

There are many companies online that can supply you with a free glucose meter, however most often you need to have Medicare in order to apply. Forms are available online for you to fill out; it is important that you fill it out completely, include your doctors name, prescription and your Medicare insurance and your done. All you need to do is click the submit button and the whole process is done.

Many pharmacies offer free meters, however the catch is that you need to purchase testing strips from that pharmacy. With this type of offer, you do not need to have an insurance policy.

If none of these methods are effective for you, it is possible to go to the manufacturer of glucose meters. They have special programs that many low-income people qualify for.

When it comes down to it, if you have insurance, use it to get a glucose meter. Diabetes is nothing to fool around with. It is critically important to your health and well being that you monitor your blood sugar often and carefully.