The Hidden Cost of Diabetes Technology

From continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to insulin pumps and smart pens, diabetes technology has revolutionized how people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) live and manage their condition. These innovations bring independence, better control, and peace of mind. But behind the promise of “freedom through technology” lies an uncomfortable truth—diabetes tech is often accessible only to those who can afford it.

The Price of Progress

Over the last decade, the cost of diabetes devices has risen dramatically. A single CGM sensor can cost between $60 and $100 and must be replaced every 7 to 14 days. Insulin pump supplies—infusion sets, cartridges, and tubing—can cost hundreds of dollars a month. Even with insurance, high deductibles and co-pays make these costs out of reach for many families.

According to a 2024 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly one in three Americans with diabetes have delayed or skipped technology upgrades due to cost. This isn’t just a financial issue—it’s a health equity issue. Access to advanced devices can mean the difference between stable blood sugar and dangerous highs or lows.

Insurance Barriers

While some insurance plans cover CGMs and pumps, approval is often a lengthy and inconsistent process. Patients are frequently required to prove that they “qualify” for these devices—demonstrating a history of frequent blood sugar checks or severe hypoglycemia before being approved.

These arbitrary hurdles delay access and disproportionately affect low-income and minority patients, who may lack the documentation or time to navigate repeated denials and appeals. Even once approved, prior authorizations and brand restrictions can limit patients’ choices, forcing them into devices that don’t best fit their needs.

Medicaid coverage varies by state, leaving gaps in who can benefit. For example, while some states provide full coverage for both CGMs and insulin pumps, others only cover one—or none—for adults. This patchwork approach reinforces systemic inequities already present in the healthcare system.

The Technology Gap

The impact of these coverage disparities shows up in data. Studies reveal that patients with private insurance are twice as likely to use a CGM as those with public insurance. Children from higher-income families are more likely to start on insulin pumps earlier, improving long-term outcomes. Meanwhile, those without access are left managing diabetes manually, which increases their risk of complications over time.

This growing divide—between those who can afford the best care and those who can’t—is a modern version of the “insulin affordability crisis.” The tools to live well exist, but too many people are priced out of them.

The Role of Policy

Meaningful change requires policy that treats diabetes technology as essential healthcare, not a luxury. There are several reforms that could make this a reality:

• National coverage standards ensuring all major insurance providers—including Medicaid—cover CGMs and pumps for anyone with T1D, without restrictive eligibility requirements.

• Caps on out-of-pocket costs for diabetes technology, similar to insulin price caps.

• Simplified prior authorization processes, or the elimination of redundant documentation requirements for medically necessary devices.

• Investment in public health programs that provide free or low-cost devices to underserved populations.

Recent legislation like the Affordable Insulin Now Act shows that pricing reform is possible. Similar attention must now turn to the affordability of diabetes devices—because insulin without access to proper delivery and monitoring tools is not enough.

Beyond Access: Education and Equity

Access isn’t only about affordability—it’s about awareness and training. Many families receive little instruction on how to use CGMs or pumps effectively, especially in communities where diabetes educators are scarce. Expanding funding for Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCESs) is critical to ensure every patient not only gets the technology but knows how to use it confidently.

Healthcare innovation means nothing if it widens the gap between who can and can’t benefit. Technology should make diabetes care easier for everyone—not just those who can pay for it.

The Bottom Line

Every advancement in diabetes technology represents incredible scientific progress, but progress without equity is incomplete. The hidden costs of these devices—financial, emotional, and systemic—remind us that access must be a central part of innovation.

Advocates, lawmakers, and industry leaders must work together to make diabetes technology truly accessible. Because freedom through technology should be a right, not a privilege.