I've been quite lucky the past year. Last year at this time I was feeling terrible, and last year it would be a few months before I would have been in the hospital with a number of ailments, including diabetes. This year, I either have everything extremely under control or I'm 'cured.' I haven't had a blood sugar issue in months and I haven't had to see the doctor about any issues.

When I had to take medication and test my blood sugar, I have to say I wasn't happy. Sure I was doing what I had to do to stay alive, and I didn't care about the changed diet (something I have to get back to) but what bugged me were the prices for testing and medication. The testing equipment needed for monitoring blood sugar is just like printers in a computer store. The printer is cheap, the ink is what kills you. The monitoring machine actually came free because of some odd special that was going on when I when to the pharmacy to get set up for the first time. The test strips were, with insurance, $20 for 100 strips. I thought that was a bargain until I didn't have a doctor (another sore spot) and when I tried to get new strips the prices I saw were anywhere from $80 - $100. With testing at 4 times a day they barely lasted a month. I started skipping tests to make them last and finally I found some bargain ones, which were only to be used in an emergency because they weren't accurate, for $20 for 50.

I was lucky. By this time I didn't need to have the insulin shots and while I needed the medication for the other ailments, the doctor told me it would take three months for the virus to run its course. Since I had a month under my belt I decided to ride out the next two months.

I thought about this as I looked at an article on line about people with diabetes cutting medication during these hard times. Many of the stories reminded me of what I went through; trying to find bargains and deal with medical expenses that overwhelm you. These people are going through a lot more hurt because of the economy many are losing jobs.

It’s a spiraling process because they can’t afford the medication needed to manage their illness and a lower income also means they can’t eat the right types of food to manage things naturally. I had to make sure to check labels for products I could eat, in most cases meaning I had to pay more money for the special food. I figured out a compromise where I would get inexpensive TV dinners and supplement the meals with fruits. It wasn’t exactly the right way to do things, but I could get by that way with the heath status I was in.

I feel for people who have to take insulin, do the test strips and work on the diet. Without help, something is going to give. If any of the people I know who have diabetes are any indication, food suffers. With the frozen foods, I had to force myself to eat them. It wasn’t a taste thing but a convenience thing. It’s like being a drunk and living in a ritzy part of town and a low income part of town. A drunk will be more of a drunk in the low income area because every corner will have a liquor store. A ritzy part of town you might have to drive a mile or two to a mall where you gt the booze.

Around me, there are numerous fast food places within walking distance, all touting a dollar or two dollar menu. I may crave just a taste of an apple pie but a single cost $0.89 but I can get 2 for $1. I may want a small drink but its $1.30 but they have a special for $0.99 for 32oz. If not I can go to the gas station and get a 52 oz soda for $0.69. I can go to the grocery store, which for me is just around the corner, but to do things right I have to get the food and cook it when I get home. With fast food, I can eat it right away.

That’s what is happening with people trying to figure out how they’re going to balance economy with staying healthy. Feeling good is one thing; not having electricity is something else. Many have to sacrifice on the living here and now than any health concerns. It’s a terrible way to live, but current economic times forces terrible decisions.