Sugar Smart, Budget Savvy: 6 Tips for Saving Money on T1D Supplies

Written By Julie .

So, your child’s just been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes? First things first- take a deep breath. You’re doing brilliantly, even if it feels like you’re suddenly expected to become a nurse, mathematician, chef and emotional support animal all at once. Welcome to life with T1D, where carb counting and blood glucose levels join your daily vocabulary and where the cost of supplies can feel like a lot at times.

But here’s the good news- there are ways to cut the costs, especially here in the UK. Whether your child is a baby, toddler, school-age superstar or a teenager with attitude (and an insulin pump), this guide is packed with money-saving tips to keep you one step ahead without emptying your wallet.

1. Get As Much As Possible on Prescription

We’re lucky in the UK to have the NHS, which covers most of the essentials for children with Type 1 Diabetes- free of charge. But you’ll need to ask for the right supplies, because not everything is automatically offered.

Commonly available on prescription:

  • Blood glucose meters (your team may recommend specific brands)

  • Test strips and lancets

  • Ketone strips (urine and blood)

  • Hypo treatments like Glucogel

  • Needles, syringes, insulin pens

  • Insulin (obviously)

  • Pump and CGM consumables (if funded via the NHS)

Top Tip: If you’re using a CGM (like Libre or Dexcom), it’s still important to have a backup meter and test strips prescribed- just in case.

2. Apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) & Carer’s Allowance

Managing a child’s diabetes is relentless. You night be getting up multiple times a night, adjusting insulin doses, handling hypos at school and more. That’s why your child may qualify for DLA, and you, as their caregiver, might qualify for Carer’s Allowance.

What is DLA?

Disability Living Allowance is a benefit to help with the extra costs of caring for a child with a disability or medical condition (yes, diabetes counts!).

  • You can apply from birth to age 16

  • Awards are given at different levels (care and mobility components)

  • Money can be used however you need- supplies, travel, extra childcare, etc

Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/disability-living-allowance-children

What is Carer’s Allowance?

If your child gets middle or high rate DLA care, and you provide at least 35 hours of care per week- you could get Carer’s Allowance (currently £83.30 per week, 2025-2026 rate).

Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

3. Use Diabetic Supply Sites with VAT Exemption (Hello, Funky Pumpers!)

Specialist sites like Funky Pumpers and Diabetes UK Shop are lifesavers when you’re hunting for:

  • Pump belts

  • Sensor stickers

  • Hypo kits

  • Medical alert bracelets

  • Insulin travel cases

If the product is specifically designed for people with diabetes, you don’t have to pay VAT- but you’ll need to tick a box at checkout and confirm the item is for a person with diabetes.

Example: Sensor stickers are VAT-free. That 20% savings adds up fast!

4. Compare Prices on Accessories & Consumables

Let’s talk adhesives, patches and tapes- aka the unsung heroes that keep sensors and pump sites in place. Finding one that sticks (but doesn’t cause irritation) is trial and error. Check different sites as prices for similar products can differ.

Popular UK-friendly brands:

  • RockaDex (UK-based, loads of fun patterns)

  • Skin Grip (very durable)

  • Type One Style (great reviews)

  • GrifGrips (more USA-based but available through UK distributors)

Top Tip: Once you find one that works order in multi-packs or wait for a site-wide sale (Black Friday, school holidays, etc)

5. Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales & Newsletters

Like any savvy shopper, timing is everything. Diabetic supply sites often offer sales around:

  • Black Friday (late November)

  • Back to School (August/ September)

  • January Sales

  • World Diabetes Day (14th November- some sites offer discounts)

Pro Tip: Sign up for email newsletters to get:

  • Discount codes

  • Loyalty rewards

  • Early access to sales

Some to check out:

  • Funky Pumpers

  • Type One Style

  • Juvela (for coeliac/T1D crossover families)

6. Use “Non-Medical” Items for Smart Storage

Don’t fall for the trap of buying only official diabetes gear. Some of the best kits come from high-street shops.

  • Hard shell sunglasses cases = perfect for spare sensors

  • Insulated lunch bags = insulin travel kits

  • Makeup bags = hypo kits

  • First aid pouches = great for school/ car bags

Top Tip: Check Amazon, eBay or even B&M and Primark- cheaper and more stylish than some medical suppliers!

Bonus: Get Involved in the T1D Community

Sometimes the best way to save money is by learning from other parent’s who’ve been there. Join Facebook groups like:

  • “UK Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes”

  • “Libre Parents UK”

  • “T1D Pump and CGM Hacks (UK)”

Top Tip: People often post discount codes, equipment swaps and even second-hand accessories (like unused pump belts or unopened boxes of wipes, tapes, etc.)

Final Thoughts

Yes, diabetes is expensive, and no, you’re not imagining the increased pile of receipts. However, with the NHS on your side, financial support options and a community of fellow T1D parents and carers, you’ve got this.

Being organised, asking the right questions and shopping smart can make all the difference- both to your wallet and your peace of mind.

So whether your toddler’s ripping off sensors faster than you can blink or your teen’s asking for zebra print pump pouches, there are ways to keep them safe, stylish and sorted- without going broke.

Julie .
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Balancing Act: A Day in the Life of T1D Management