Diabetes Supplies in Tennessee — 796,050+ Diabetics | MDS Diabetes

Tennessee Diabetes Rate vs National Average

Tennessee14.5%

National Average12%

Highest (WV)18.2%

Lowest (CO)8.1%

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

Type 1 Diabetes

39,802

~5% of diagnosed

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

Type 2 Diabetes

756,248

~95% of diagnosed

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

⚠️ Prediabetes in Tennessee: 1,647,000+ People

An estimated 1,647,000 Tennessee 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%.

Tennessee Diabetes Risk Factors

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Adult Obesity Rate

37%

National: 33.9%

Above national average

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Physical Inactivity

28.9%

National: 25.3%

Above national average

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Undiagnosed Diabetics

221,100

National: 27.6% undiagnosed

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Annual Hospitalizations

54,100

National: Diabetes-related

Tennessee has NOT expanded Medicaid and has the 7th highest diabetes rate. TennCare provides limited CGM coverage only for specific cases.

Tennessee Climate & Diabetes Supply Impact

🌡️ Heat Risk: Hot humid summers, mild winters, tornado risk in west

Heat is the #1 enemy of insulin and diabetes supplies in Tennessee. Insulin exposed to temperatures above 86°F begins degrading within hours and is completely destroyed at temperatures above 104°F. Cars in Tennessee summer can reach 130-150°F inside — never leave insulin in a vehicle. A quality insulin cooler is not optional for Tennessee residents.

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.

Tennessee Diabetes Insurance Coverage

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Medicaid Expansion: NO — Not Expanded

Tennessee has NOT expanded Medicaid. Many low-income adults who would qualify in expanded states do not have coverage for CGM sensors or insulin pumps. FSA/HSA accounts and direct purchase from MDS Diabetes are important alternatives.

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Medicare in Tennessee: 361,000+ 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%

TN ← You are here

14.5%

13.2%

Source: CDC BRFSS 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

MDS Diabetes Ships to All Tennessee Cities

Whether you live in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or any of Tennessee's 95 counties, MDS Diabetes ships FSA/HSA eligible diabetes supplies directly to your door — free shipping on orders over $60.

NashvilleMemphisKnoxvilleChattanoogaClarksvilleMurfreesboroFranklinJackson