Protecting Your Meds, Devices & Sanity
December is a beautiful, hectic, unpredictable month. Holiday schedules shift, clinics reduce hours, pharmacies get overwhelmed, and insurance systems suddenly decide it’s the perfect time to glitch. If you live with diabetes, you’re not imagining it; the end of the year is one of the most challenging times to navigate healthcare.
As a diabetes educator and someone who lives with type 1, I’ve lived this cycle from both sides: the patient who needs access and the professional supporting others through the same maze. The good news? A little planning in December can prevent a lot of scrambling in January.
This is Part 1 of your end-of-year diabetes survival guide, focused on the practical, immediate steps that keep your insulin, sensors, pump supplies, and peace of mind intact.
Secure Your Refills Before It Becomes a Crisis
Pharmacies run low on stock, prescribers take time off, and everyone realizes (too late) that their prescription expired two days ago. Getting ahead of this curve is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
What to do:
- Request refills 10–14 days before you expect to run out
- Use your patient portal first, then call if needed
- Communicate clearly if timing is urgent (“I have 3 days left”)
- Avoid the Friday before Christmas rush — it’s the busiest day of the year
Mini-Script:
“Hi, I’m requesting an early refill because holiday delays can make it hard to access insulin and sensors in time. Could you please authorize this refill today so I don’t run into a gap in care?”
A simple ask that can prevent a major crisis.
Protect Your Devices: CGMs, Pumps & Supply Orders
Pharmacies are one thing, DME suppliers are a whole different kind of unpredictable in December. Shipping delays, backorders, and limited staffing can all add unnecessary stress.
What to do:
- Order replacement sensors and infusion sets now
- Check holiday shipping cutoffs for your DME provider
- Ask your insurer about a travel override if you’ll be away from home
- Request backup infusion sets and extra adhesives, many plans allow them
Mini-Script:
“I’m entering the holiday period and want to avoid any gaps. Could we place my CGM/pump supply order early and include a backup infusion set?”
This one small step can protect you from a lot of frustration.
Use Up Your FSA/HSA Wisely (Before the Clock Runs Out)
Every year, people rush to buy random items on December 30th because they forgot to use their FSA. Instead, focus those dollars on year-round support for your diabetes care.
Eligible diabetes-related purchases include:
- Sensor adhesives (SkinTac, overpatches, barrier wipes)
- Glucose tablets, gels, and emergency hypo tools
- Skin prep and adhesive remover wipes
- Pump clips, cases, belts, adhesive sleeves
- Medical ID jewelry
- Foot care supplies
- Backup chargers, cables, and portable battery packs
If you’re going to spend the money anyway, spend it on tools that make your life easier and safer.
Closing Out Part 1: Set the Foundation Before the Chaos Hits
These first steps, securing refills, protecting device supplies, and making smart use of your benefits, set you up for a more stable and stress-free December. You deserve uninterrupted access to the tools and medications you rely on, and taking action now ensures you won’t be at the mercy of holiday schedules and insurance surprises.
But there’s more to the year-end puzzle.
Part 2 dives into the other half of the equation:
- navigating insurance denials,
- communicating effectively with your clinic, and
- asking for what you truly need going into the new year.
Those skills turn you from “hoping everything works out” into an empowered advocate for your own care.
Stay tuned. Part 2 drops next.