Diabetes Supplies in California — 3,261,000+ Diabetics | MDS Diabetes

California Diabetes Rate vs National Average

California10.8%

National Average12%

Highest (WV)18.2%

Lowest (CO)8.1%

Source: CDC BRFSS 2024 · Diagnosed diabetes among adults 18+

Type 1 Diabetes

163,050

~5% of diagnosed

Autoimmune — requires insulin therapy. CGM is essential for Type 1 management.

Type 2 Diabetes

3,097,950

~95% of diagnosed

Metabolic — managed with lifestyle, oral meds, or insulin. CGM increasingly recommended.

⚠️ Prediabetes in California: 9,060,000+ People

An estimated 9,060,000 California adults have prediabetes — 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%.

California Diabetes Risk Factors

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Adult Obesity Rate

27.3%

National: 33.9%

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Physical Inactivity

17.6%

National: 25.3%

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Undiagnosed Diabetics

906,000

National: 27.6% undiagnosed

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Annual Hospitalizations

220,000

National: Diabetes-related

California has the most diabetics of any state — over 3.2 million. Medi-Cal (Medicaid) provides comprehensive CGM coverage. Inland valley summers can exceed 110°F.

California Climate & Diabetes Supply Impact

🌤️ Seasonal Risk: Highly varied: coastal mild, inland valley heat 100°F+, mountain cold

California presents both heat and cold challenges depending on season and region. Summer heat threatens insulin with temperatures potentially exceeding safe storage limits, while winter cold risks freezing insulin and reducing CGM sensor performance. Year-round supply management awareness is essential.

Insulin Temperature Safety Guide

Below 32°F (0°C)

Insulin FREEZES — permanently destroyed. Do not use frozen insulin.

36-46°F (2-8°C)

Ideal refrigerator storage for unopened insulin. Safe for months.

59-77°F (15-25°C)

Room temperature — opened insulin safe for 28-30 days (most brands).

Above 86°F (30°C)

Insulin begins degrading — effectiveness reduced within hours.

Above 104°F (40°C)

Rapid degradation. Insulin DESTROYED. Never use.

California Diabetes Insurance Coverage

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Medicaid Expansion: YES — Expanded

California 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.

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Medicare in California: 1,480,000+ 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 →

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FSA & HSA — 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 — regardless of state Medicaid expansion status. FSA funds expire December 31. See full FSA/HSA guide →

National Diabetes Ranking — Top 10 States

18.2%

17%

16.1%

15.7%

15.5%

14.9%

14.7%

14.5%

13.2%

Source: CDC BRFSS 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

MDS Diabetes Ships to All California Cities

Whether you live in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, or any of California's 58 counties, MDS Diabetes ships FSA/HSA eligible diabetes supplies directly to your door — free shipping on orders over $60.

Los AngelesSan DiegoSan JoseSan FranciscoFresnoSacramentoLong BeachOaklandBakersfieldAnaheim