Cost-cutting measures to manage diabetes

Diabetes has so many costs -- to your health, your emotions, and of course, your wallet. The October issue of Diabetes Forecast, the consumer magazine of the American Diabetes Association, features ten ways to save some money and improve your health. With a little know-how, you can save big bucks on screenings, supplies, and preventive treatments. Here are a few of the cost-cutting ideas Diabetes Forecast recommends:

• Head to a Health Fair or Expo -- Hospitals, universities, churches, towns, and community groups often set up health fairs to provide a wide range of screenings and health information. Health expos offer even more by bringing together medical experts and exhibitors for screenings, seminars, workshops, and demonstrations.
• Get Screened -- Staying on top of your health and preventing diseases or their complications before they become major problems makes a significant impact on your budget. Besides regular examinations by your health care team, you often can get screened for different conditions at clinics, pharmacies, and local health departments, among other places.
• Attend a Cooking Demonstration -- Want to make sure you're getting the most out of your meals? Need a little extra inspiration to get back on track? Stop by a cooking demonstration at a farmers' market or grocery store.
• Flex That "Flexible" Spending -- If you have a flexible spending account through your benefit program at work, you can use the money you set aside (before tax is withheld) on a variety of non-reimbursable medical costs, from co-pays to over-the-counter medications and supplies.

Try these money-saving tricks to help manage diabetes and other things that cause your health care costs to creep up. Best of all, many of these proactive moves may keep you healthier, too!

The October issue also brings you information about "Cracking the Case": A federal jury finds diabetes discrimination at the FBI. Veteran lawman Jeff Kapche had heard from FBI field agents that he would be a great addition to the bureau, so when he applied and was denied a job, he knew something was up. It wasn't the grueling physical exams, tough aptitude tests, or extensive interviews that kept him from landing the job -- it was his diabetes. Learn how Kapche fought this discrimination and, after seven years of legal battles, finally won his lawsuit against the FBI.

More in the newest issue of Diabetes Forecast:

• Diabetes at 100 mph: Catching up with race car driver Charlie Kimball about his type 1 diabetes
• Antioxidants: Sifting through the hype about the value of antioxidants, in foods and in supplements
• Topping It Off: Need a little help in adding flavor to your dishes? The secret is in the sauce!