Diabetics cost more than dogs…probably
20 August, 2012 in news
This dog thought vets fees were expensive, but apparently diabetics cost even more to keep than dogs. The latest figures show that the 40million prescriptions for diabetes drugs issued by the NHS each year cost over £760m.
Type 1s smugly point out that there are more Type 2s so they’re obviously the ones taking most of the budget. But JDRF point out that insulin costs make up over half of the bill, and that’s mostly used by Type 1s. Diabetes UK also have quite an interesting overview of the numbers.
From this I conclude: don’t get a diabetic, they’re expensive, it’s much more economical to get a dog.
By the way, I was planning to spend today relaxing in my basket with a juicy bone, but @Marianne’s comments on my previous efforts encouraged me to do a bit more reading. This dog is easily motivated by compliments.
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Tim said on 20 August, 2012
As I dimly recall from my pharmacist chum, Humalog is as cheap as chips and Lantus / Levimir is the expensive stuff. As pumps just use the quick acting, cheap insulin then pumps actually save money in terms of cost of ownership. Or something.
Alison said on 20 August, 2012
I dimly recall it being something like £15 for a bottle of Humalog and £25 for Lantus.
Tim said on 20 August, 2012
I very dimly recalled Lantus being more than that; but I can check and report back.
Tim said on 20 August, 2012
Simon has replied and says:
1 x 5 lantus 3ml cartridge = £41.50
1 x 5 Humalog 3ml Cartridge = £28.31
Alison said on 20 August, 2012
Ooo, so the cost conscious diabetic on MDI should really commit to getting up every 2 hours during the night to inject Humalog, thereby saving having to waste money on more expensive long acting insulin.
Tim said on 20 August, 2012
Every 2 hours? Small doses every ten minutes surely? Any MDI’er who doesn’t do this is an enemy to the state. And probably a Communist.
Marianne said on 20 August, 2012
Go, Neville, go!
Pound for pound you punch way above your grade. And I find that impressive. In fact, so impressive that I’d love to introduce Kobi and Tashi (the pooches who own me) to you. What a pack you’d all make …
Tim said on 20 August, 2012
Good old Neville! I know I’m risking turning Shoot Up into Kritter’s Korner, but here’s a picture of our doggy Skye:
Alison said on 20 August, 2012
Very cute, but surely you’re taking blatant advertising to the extreme by attaching a stripykat Kindle case to the poor creature’s tail?
Tim said on 20 August, 2012
She’s not actually real, she has a zip down her back. Part of stripykat’s ultra-realistic new range of handbags.
Marianne said on 21 August, 2012
Kritter Korner? Never!!! I’m 100% sure that Skye is your resident “BSL low” sniffing companion who has been well trained to save your life …
Kobi and Tashi are suitably impressed and have registered on a training program so that they can ‘sniff’ my lows and can, consequently, ensure the supply chain.