Diabetes medications: Tips to lower your cost
8/17/2026 by Ary Vadipour, Pharm.D., R.Ph
The best treatment for Type 2 diabetes — a condition where the body cannot use insulin correctly and sugar builds up in the blood — often changes throughout a person's lifetime and frequently requires multiple medications. Use the information and tips below to help you find the best value for your diabetes medications.
Treatment options
The American Diabetes Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinology recommend different first-line treatments depending on your other health conditions, risk factors and health goals.
Most healthcare teams will start their patients on metformin because it is safe, effective and does not cause weight gain. This generic medication is widely available and affordable. For many patients, however, metformin is not enough to reduce blood sugar to the goal level.
Newer brand name medications, while more expensive, can be more effective and provide additional benefits, such as weight loss and kidney and heart protection. Less expensive generic medications may not be as effective and can have a higher risk of side effects, such as low blood sugar and weight gain.
Your care team will work with you to determine the treatment options that fit your budget and lifestyle.
Insurance coverage
If you have health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, it is important to know which medications your plan covers and to what degree. Insurance providers sometimes will not cover more expensive medications unless the less expensive medications do not work. They also may require your healthcare team to complete a prior authorization (approval), which could delay you getting the medication. Call your insurance provider and talk to your pharmacy to see what you and your provider need to do to get your medication as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Manufacturer savings cards
Manufacturers for most brand name medications offer savings cards for patients who qualify. If your insurance provider is not funded by Medicare or Medicaid, you may qualify for these discounts, which cover varying amounts of your co-pay after your insurance pays its portion.
To get a savings card:
- Search the internet for the medication website.
- On the site, look for a section offering a savings option, which will lead you to a series of questions to determine if you qualify for the savings card.
- Make sure you read the fine print to determine your eligibility accurately.
- You also can search the internet for the name of the medication and “manufacturer savings card.”
If you qualify:
- You can download a printable card. Present this card in person at the pharmacy.
- Or if you call in your prescriptions, give the card information over the phone.
These cards generally are valid for one year. Once a card expires, you can download a new one.
Note: Your healthcare team and pharmacy staff at Mayo Clinic cannot directly provide savings cards to you. They can tell you how and where to find them, but they are not allowed to distribute savings cards to patients.
Pharmacy discount formularies
Many pharmacies have a discounted formulary for select generic medications. These medications are typically $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. These discounts are most useful if you don't have prescription insurance. Certain pharmacies also offer discounted or over-the-counter insulin products.
If you're unable to afford your insulin, discuss it with your care team. Do not start using a medication for your diabetes without telling your care team.
Medication coupon websites
Websites like GoodRx, RxSaver and WebRx offer drug discount coupons, which can be a useful alternative to prescription insurance. However, if you plan to use your prescription insurance, these coupons won't work. You can use either the coupon or your prescription insurance, but not both. Savings on these websites can be hit or miss but are worth a try.
While on a coupon website, you will:
- Enter your ZIP code and search for the exact medication name, strength and quantity you have been prescribed.
- The site will list various price quotes with coupons for each pharmacy.
- You must match the coupon with the pharmacy you plan to use.
- Coupons are accepted in most cases, but the pharmacy does reserve the right to decline them.
- Many pharmacies that do not accept coupons from these websites will have their own way of discounting these medications. Ask pharmacy staff if they have a discount card you can have added to your profile.
Resources for Medicare Part D enrollment
The process for enrolling for and choosing between many available Medicare Part D prescription drug plans can be overwhelming. Depending on your specific medication and healthcare needs, some plans may be more beneficial than others. These resources are available to help you find the plan that fits your needs best:
- Minnesota Aging Pathways. This free Minnesota-based service offers internet or phone support to help you choose or switch your Medicare plan. Call 1-800-333-2433 or visit mn.gov/senior-linkage-line.
- Medicare website. Sign up or change plans online at medicare.gov, get resources to answer common questions about Medicare and get help finding a plan.
Ary Vadipour, Pharm.D., R.Ph. is a Medication Management Services pharmacist at Mayo Clinic Rochester. They provide medication management and education to patients and staff.