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People with diabetes could be seeing a turning point in ease of obtaining supplies for continuous glucose monitors, as more of these products make their way into local pharmacies. While CGMs have traditionally only been available direct from the manufacturer or third-party supply distributors, they're now finally making their way onto the shelves of local pharmacies and even Costco stores around the country. For example, the Dexcom G6 receivers, transmitters, and sensors are  sold at discounted prices in Costco Pharmacies  for the bulk chain's member customers. Opinions may vary on just how good those discounts are, but another big benefit for customers is that instead of waiting weeks for supplies to arrive in the mail, you may be able to walk out the door of your local pharmacy in a day or two with everything you need. Along with Dexcom, the Abbott FreeStyle Libre system supplies are also available at pharmacies, and CGM maker Medtronic Diabetes is exploring pha...

These are strange times, when we have to think about insurance companies and medical equipment suppliers like they’re our doctors. No, of course they aren’t ... But they're acting like it, using strong-arm tactics couched in language like “preferred brand” to force specific products and treatments on patients despite doctors’ best advice. Phrases like “therapeutically equivalent” are bantered about, despite the fact that in many cases, changing up meds and devices can jeopardize our health. This is the world of Non-Medical Switching , where "payers" (health insurance companies) call the shots despite without necessarily listening to the medical advice of our healthcare professionals. It's nothing new. Those of us living with diabetes have faced these hurdles for years, sometimes more dramatically based on how much an insurer or pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) decides to dig their heels in. While we scream, "Prescriber Prevails!" because it should...