Arizona Diabetes Rate vs National Average
Arizona11.2%
National Average12%
Highest (WV)18.2%
Lowest (CO)8.1%
Source: CDC BRFSS 2024 Β· Diagnosed diabetes among adults 18+
Type 1 Diabetes
32,600
~5% of diagnosed
Autoimmune β requires insulin therapy. CGM is essential for Type 1 management.
Type 2 Diabetes
619,400
~95% of diagnosed
Metabolic β managed with lifestyle, oral meds, or insulin. CGM increasingly recommended.
β οΈ Prediabetes in Arizona: 1,750,000+ People
An estimated 1,750,000 Arizona adults have prediabetes β blood sugar above normal but below diabetes threshold. Without intervention, 15-30% will develop Type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Many don't know they have it. The CDC Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce risk by 58%.
Arizona Diabetes Risk Factors
βοΈ
Adult Obesity Rate
31.4%
National: 33.9%
π
Physical Inactivity
23.8%
National: 25.3%
β
Undiagnosed Diabetics
181,000
National: 27.6% undiagnosed
π₯
Annual Hospitalizations
44,000
National: Diabetes-related
Arizona summer heat regularly exceeds 115Β°F in Phoenix and Tucson. Insulin left in a car for even 30 minutes can be destroyed. A quality insulin cooler is essential year-round.
Arizona Climate & Diabetes Supply Impact
π‘οΈ Heat Risk: Extreme desert heat, 115Β°F+ in Phoenix summers; mild winters
Heat is the #1 enemy of insulin and diabetes supplies in Arizona. Insulin exposed to temperatures above 86Β°F begins degrading within hours and is completely destroyed at temperatures above 104Β°F. Cars in Arizona summer can reach 130-150Β°F inside β never leave insulin in a vehicle. A quality insulin cooler is not optional for Arizona residents.
Insulin Temperature Safety Guide
Below 32Β°F (0Β°C)
Insulin FREEZES β permanently destroyed. Do not use frozen insulin.
36-46Β°F (2-8Β°C)
Ideal refrigerator storage for unopened insulin. Safe for months.
59-77Β°F (15-25Β°C)
Room temperature β opened insulin safe for 28-30 days (most brands).
Above 86Β°F (30Β°C)
Insulin begins degrading β effectiveness reduced within hours.
Above 104Β°F (40Β°C)
Rapid degradation. Insulin DESTROYED. Never use.
Arizona Diabetes Insurance Coverage
β
Medicaid Expansion: YES β Expanded
Arizona expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Low-income adults may qualify for comprehensive diabetes coverage including CGM sensors (Dexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre 3), insulin pumps, and test strips at little or no cost.
π₯
Medicare in Arizona: 295,000+ Diabetic Enrollees
Medicare Part B covers CGM sensors (Dexcom G7, FreeStyle Libre 3) as durable medical equipment at 80% after deductible for insulin-treated diabetics. Part D covers insulin and oral medications. Prior authorization is typically required. Learn more at our Medicare Coverage Guide β
π³
FSA & HSA β Works in All 50 States
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be used to purchase insulin coolers, CGM overpatches, medical alert ID, test strips, glucose meters, and more at MDS Diabetes β regardless of state Medicaid expansion status. FSA funds expire December 31. See full FSA/HSA guide β
National Diabetes Ranking β Top 10 States
Source: CDC BRFSS 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
MDS Diabetes Ships to All Arizona Cities
Whether you live in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, or any of Arizona's 15 counties, MDS Diabetes ships FSA/HSA eligible diabetes supplies directly to your door β free shipping on orders over $60.
Free Diabetes Resources
π‘οΈβπ³βπ₯ββοΈβπ‘βπ¨β
Insulin Storage: The Complete Temperature Guide
Every temperature rule for every insulin type
FSA and HSA for Diabetics β Spending Guide
What qualifies, deadlines, and best purchases
Medicare Coverage for Diabetes Supplies
Part B vs Part D, prior auth, CGM approval
Traveling with Diabetes
TSA rules, packing lists, and international travel
Dexcom G7: Complete Guide
Setup, accuracy, insurance, and accessories
Hypoglycemia: Treatment and Prevention
Symptoms, the 15-15 rule, when to call 911
Diabetes Supply Guides for Other States
AlabamaAlaskaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaTexasNew YorkWest VirginiaMississippiLouisianaConnecticutDelawareHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWisconsinWyomingWashington D.C.
