Living in Puerto Rico with type one diabetes

7POSTS

8 years ago

Have have type one diabetes and will need access to prescriptions such as insulin but I will have everything else shipped from the US. Anyone have any experience living with a condition which requires management like mine? I know this might be a loaded question but figured I would at least start a conversation about it.
Thank you!

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ReyP ViP

5509POSTS

8 years ago

Hopefully somebody comes and helps you out on this.
But type 2 is very common in the island along with the use of insulin and other treatments.

Rey

KWRealEstate_Act2022 Contributor

101POSTS

8 years ago

My father in law has diabetes, not sure which one but I know he uses insulin not the pills. Pretty much every insurance covers this, i know he's does. I don't think you'll have a problem with this. Hope this helps!

annabfalter Contributor

124POSTS

8 years ago

Don't know if this helps, but my prescriptions from my doctor up north all go to Walgreen's. I have no trouble filling them at any Walgreen's in PR. I have type 2 and take pills and a non-insulin injection.

Gary ViP

1845POSTS

8 years ago

Any Pharmacy on the island can provide insulin. Many people with diabetes on the island..
You'll have to check if you need a prescription from a local doctor (they need to be able to check the Dr's license).

IowatoPR New member

7POSTS

8 years ago

Wonderful. Thank you for that information it helps settle some nerves. Do you have an endocrinologist in PR or do you head back stateside for care?

mac00677 Serial expat

380POSTS

8 years ago

My neighbor in Rincon had it (well, still does, I just don't live there anymore. But he uses a pump, in his side, delivers the insulin automatically. Because of the diet here, it is common.

ReyP ViP

5509POSTS

8 years ago

Doctors in PR are well trained, many in the US, they are held to the same standards as the US.

Most cases of Diabetes are treated by your regular doctor, typically and endocrinologist mostly deals with more exotic issues. Diet issues in the island make it such a common thing that people do not hide their condition, it is a conversation piece.

Gary ViP

1845POSTS

8 years ago

IowatoPR wrote:
Wonderful. Thank you for that information it helps settle some nerves. Do you have an endocrinologist in PR or do you head back stateside for care?

I don't know who you were asking but if it was me, I don't have diabetes and "back in the States" doesn't apply to me (even though I'm American citizen - naturalized here on the island)

IowatoPR New member

7POSTS

8 years ago

#10

No, it was a general response to the thread. But thank you for your information regarding pharmacies.

adlin20 ViP

1057POSTS

8 years ago

#11

Walgreens in the island will fill your mainland prescriptions. Unfortunately diabetes in a common illness in tha island. Most physicians have vast knowledge in treating this condition. You can get insulin at most pharmacies in the island and a local physician will be able to refill your prescription if needed.

Spencerazac Contributor

157POSTS

8 years ago

#12

I wish the island was a little bit more sugar free friendly, for example I can never find any sugar-free drinks, in the states they have power aid zero which I used to drink all the time, everywhere you look in the states there are sugar free options, if they had more of this here it would also bring down the Health cost for those people who have diabetes keeping them a little bit healthier, that's my thought anyway,

ReyP ViP

5509POSTS

8 years ago

#13

My all time drink is a glass filled to the top with ice and just enough water to float them. I shake it and then drink it ascold as i can get it, then refill and redo until satisfied. As cold as I can get it to go. Sometimes I put a jug in the freeser and drink it when the water starts to freese.

annabfalter Contributor

124POSTS

8 years ago

#14

You can get sugar free soda at any grocery store, Diet Coke is everywhere. Also, Crystal Lite powders are available. You might be able to find more at Sam's Club or Costco. I like to purchase teabags and make iced tea. I really wish the restaurants served iced tea, but they don't

IowatoPR New member

7POSTS

8 years ago

#15

good to know. Just to clarify, I have type one diabetes, not caused by any health issues-diagnosed as a child, and sadly will insulin dependent until they find a cure for this terrible disease. I have an Autoimmune disease which is not managed by diet.

ReyP ViP

5509POSTS

8 years ago

#16

Getting the insulin should not be an issue.

Both type 1 and type 2 most times require insulting, but most people are familiar with type 2 which is diet related.

Your regular doctor should be able to deal with it, endocrinologist can also but getting an appointment with one may take a while, most specialist in the island are overworked since many have left the island for better pay and conditions in the states.

IowatoPR New member

7POSTS

8 years ago

#17

Thank you Rey, I appreciate the information! If anyone has a contact or can refer me to a specific company to speak with regarding health insurance, it would be appreciated! I have heard of Triple S, but wanting to see if there are other options which I may have not come across at this point.

ReyP ViP

5509POSTS

8 years ago

#18

IowatoPR wrote:
Thank you Rey, I appreciate the information! If anyone has a contact or can refer me to a specific company to speak with regarding health insurance, it would be appreciated! I have heard of Triple S, but wanting to see if there are other options which I may have not come across at this point.

There are several posts about the subject, some in the last couple of weeks, you may want to do a search