The Best Free Resources for Americans with Diabetes

Getting diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes can be overwhelming. Many people find themselves scrambling to find information and support without breaking the bank.

Luckily, there are tons of FREE resources available to help people understand and manage their diagnosis. From Medicare-covered devices to meal planning tools to educational pamphlets, there are many organizations dedicated to connecting you with resources at absolutely no cost.

To make it easier to navigate the many wonderful organizations offering freebies for people with diabetes, we’ve created this master list of FREE diabetes resources from across the country (and the internet). Let’s get started!

How to Access Free Products and Services (Covered by Medicare, Insurance, or Other Programs)

To find an accredited Diabetes Education Program, visit the “Find a Program” Page on the American Association of Diabetes Educators website.

To get diabetic shoes, inserts, and other Medicare-covered products with direct insurance billing, visit nocostshoes.com.

For low-income support to access glucose monitors, medical testing and more, visit the Partnership for Prescription Assistance.

To find a Diabetes Camp for children with Type 1 Diabetes to attend, visit “Find a Camp” on the Diabetes Education & Camping Association website.

Free Medical Support Resources for People With Diabetes

Self Care Diary – This printable diary from Lilly Diabetes will help you record all the information your health care provider needs about your diet, blood surgar, and more.

Medication Pocket Cards – This downloadable template from Diabetes Education Services will help you record your medical regimin, including insulin injections and oral medications, making it easier to get emergency care or share medical history with a new physician.

Monitoring Guide – This printable resource from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will teach you how to record your blood sugar properly.

Blood Glucose Monitoring Tip Sheets – These resources from the American Association of Diabetes Educators offer expert tips on how to properly monitor your blood sugar.

How to Inject Insulin – This guide from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will help you inject insulin properly.

Diabetes and Pregnancy Guide – This guide from the CDC is designed to help women have safe and healthy pregnancies and to control gestational diabetes.

Medication Planning Worksheet – This printable resource from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will help you ask the right questions to your doctor and remember to take the medications you need. Available in English and Spanish.

Medication Taking Tip List and Checklist – This printable resource from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will help put your medical plan into action.

Free Diet and Meal Planning Resources for People With Diabetes

7-Day Diabetes Meal Plan – This meal plan from eatingwell.com is a great starting point for those looking to restructure their diet to manage diabetes.

Best Foods for You: Healthy Food Choices for People with Diabetes – This printable list from the American Diabetes Association is a great guideline for your grocery shopping and meal planning.

Cutting Back on Salt – This printable resource from the American Diabetes Association offers great tips to help salt lovers cut down on their consumption to manage their diabetes.

Healthy Food Swaps – This printable resource from the American Diabetes Association can help you pick better snacks to respond to your cravings and follow doctor’s orders. Great to hang on your refrigerator or in a snack cabinet!

How Much Sugar? – This printable resource from the American Diabetes Association offers a step-by-step guide to measuring the sugar content of food and drinks.

Money Saving Shopping Tips – This printable resource from the American Diabetes Association can help you eat healthy on a budget.

Recipe Makeover – This printable resource and worksheet from the American Diabetes Association will help you adapt your old recipes to your new lifestyle with healthier substitutions.

Smart Snacks – This printable resource and worksheet from the American Diabetes Association will help you plan for healthier snacking.

Fast Food Tips – This printable resource from the American Diabetes Association will help you make better choices when visiting a fast food restaurant.

Alcohol & Diabetes – This printable resource from the American Diabetes Association will give you helpful tips and valuable information on drinking alcohol with diabetes.

Free Active Lifestyle & Exercise Resources for People With Diabetes

8 Week Workout Plan – This 8-week exercise plan from SparkPeople offers a straight-forward week by week plan and physical activity tips for people with diabetes – includes helpful videos to learn new exercises.

Being Active Worksheet – This worksheet from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will help you plan for everyday activity.

Tips for Being Active with Diabetes – This worksheet from the CDC offers tips for a safe and healthy exercise plan.

Free Risk Management Resources for People With Diabetes

Reducing Risk Worksheet – This worksheet and tip sheet from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will help you stay safe and healthy during daily activities.

Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease These resources from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will educate you on how to care for your heart health with diabetes.

Free Mental Health Resources for People With Diabetes

Problem Solving Worksheet – This resource from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will help you take on some of the decisions and challenges that come with a diabetes diagnosis.

Healthy Coping – This resource from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will help you adjust to the lifestyle changes that come with diabetes.

Mental Health and Diabetes – This resource from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will help you manage mental health issues like stress, depression, and anger. Available in both English and Spanish.

Peer & Community Support Listing – This list from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will help you find support in your community and online.

Free Holiday Resources for People With Diabetes

Holidays and Special Events Worksheet – This printable worksheet from the American Diabetes Association helps you make a plan for eating healthy during special occasions.

Holiday Tip Sheets from AADE – These tip sheets from the American Association of Diabetes Educators will help you manage your health on a variety of occasions, from Thanksgiving dinner to picnics and even football season. Available in English and Spanish!

Buffet Table Tips for People with Diabetes This resource from the CDC offers tips to help people with diabetes manage buffets, potlucks, and other special occasions.

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