CHARLEVOIX — Several Michigan health organizations are offering free resources and assistance to persons with diabetes who are unemployed or without health insurance.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and lower limb amputations. Increasing this risk, is the fact that many individuals have responded to high medicine costs by skipping doses, not filling prescriptions, or cutting their pills in half, according to a recent Consumer Reports study. An Associated Press study found that patients have scaled back on regular doctor appointments and that top-selling diabetes drugs have recently dropped in sales.

During the economic downturn, the Michigan Diabetes Outreach Network, Michigan Department of Community Health and Diabetes Partners in Action Coalition have identified resources to assist those without jobs, health insurance or who are facing difficult times managing their diabetes.

For help managing their diabetes, individuals can:
— Visit the Michigan Diabetes Outreach Network’s Web site www.diabetesinmichigan.org. Each outreach has a directory posted on the website with information on resources in the area, including support groups.
— Contact a local Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program to see if the certified diabetes educator is aware of any local resources or has extra supplies. A visit with the educator might also help in learning how to reuse supplies or improve regimens. For a listing of local DSME programs visit www.michigan.gov/diabetes.
— Contact their insulin maker and apply to its patient assistance program using the reason of “hardship needs.” Ask the pharmacist for information on the insulin company and then call or e-mail for assistance.
— Contact their primary physician who may be able to help with free supplies or “samples” in the office. The physician may also agree to have a discussion about less expensive regimens.
— Contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance program at (888) 477-2669 or visit www.pparx.org. More than 2,500 brand-name and generic medicines are covered.
— Contact the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or (800) 342-2383 to see if they have any local assistance programs.

For additional information on managing your diabetes, call TIPDON, Northern Michigan’s Diabetes Outreach Network, at 237-9681 or visit www.diabetesinmichigan.org.