If you have type 2 diabetes, you know there are so many medicines available to help you manage your diabetes. You may be taking quite a number of them. A common question is, "Why do I have to take so many pills and shots every day—it costs so much, especially when you add the cost of strips to test your blood glucose!"

Diabetes is a terribly expensive disease. In fact, a recent report from the American Diabetes Association determined the average medical costs each year for a person with diabetes is almost $12,000. People with diabetes spend over twice what a person without diabetes does for health care.

If you are having a hard time affording all of your medicines, never just stop or cut your dosages on your own. You increase the possibility of complications, such as heart attack or stroke, if you cut back on your medicines. Allowing your blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure to climb out of recommended ranges can have severe consequences for you.

Before you cut back on your medicines, let your doctor know you are having a hard time with costs. Do this before your doctor writes a prescription for you. Many times your doctor can help by prescribing a generic form of your medicine. They might also help you apply for pharmacy assistance, if you ask for help.

Check different drug stores for prices before having your prescription filled, too. Some large department stores and drug stores are offering many prescription medicines for $4.00 per prescription. While these $4.00 prescriptions are not the latest, newest drug, they are effective drugs that have been around a long time. Having the latest drug may not mean better results especially if the cost is so high that you do not take it like your doctor prescribed.

Also, talk to your doctor about other things you might do to reduce your need for so many medicines. If your health allows, losing weight and walking 30 minutes daily can have a significant impact on your need for medicines.

If you would like to learn more ways to save money when you have diabetes, consider signing up for the five class series with nine topics called Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes, which is offered by Texas AgriLife Extension Service San Saba County. These classes are being taught by a team of volunteer nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and other health professionals to provide you with the latest information on how to better manage your type 2 diabetes. Self-management of type 2 diabetes has changed a lot. Come to these classes and learn how to save money and reduce your chances for complications. Classes are free and will begin Tuesday March 2nd at 5:15 p.m. at Rylander Library. . Call your county Extension office at 325-372-372-5416 to enroll now.