In April 2025, the U.S. government announced sweeping tariffs on international imports, including a 20% tariff on goods from the European Union. For people with diabetes, this shift may have a major impact on healthcare spending.
While the headlines have focused on cars and steel, one area often overlooked is medical technology—specifically, diabetes management devices like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and glucose meters.
While it’s still early, people with diabetes haven’t felt the shockwaves of these changes. However, these changes could directly affect the cost and accessibility of essential diabetes tech, which can already be out of reach for many diabetes patients.
It’s also important to note: it is still early in this shift. We’ll only know more as the situation evolves, but we would like to hear your experience. Leave a comment to share your experience, and how you believe things may or may not change.
We’ll dive into which diabetes tech companies could be affected, where their products are made, and what this means for you.
Where diabetes tech products are made and how tariffs may impact their price.
Here are some of the most commonly used devices. While this is not a comprehensive list of available devices in the United States, it does include common ones.
Headquarters: Connecticut, USA
Key Products: Afrezza Inhaled Insulin
Manufacturing Locations: Connecticut, USA
Tariff Impact: No significant impact due to U.S.-based production.
MannKind offers one of the few inhalable insulin options on the market. With manufacturing rooted entirely in the U.S., the company is well-insulated from the ripple effects of global trade policy—at least for now.
Headquarters: Pennsylvania, USA & Switzerland
Key Products: OneTouch Glucose Meters
Manufacturing Locations: Scotland, Canada, Puerto Rico
Tariff Impact: Products made in Scotland may see a price increase due to EU tariffs.
LifeScan’s OneTouch products are staples in many diabetes management routines. Their manufacturing spread includes both U.S. territories and Europe, meaning the impact of tariffs will vary depending on where specific products are sourced.
Headquarters: Maryland, USA
Key Products: Eversense Implantable CGM
Manufacturing Locations: Partnered globally
Tariff Impact: Depending on partner locations, some imports may be subject to tariffs.
Senseonics is known for its unique implantable CGM technology. Although based in the U.S., the company relies on manufacturing partnerships overseas, which could expose them—and patients—to tariff-related pricing shifts.
Headquarters: Switzerland
Key Products: Contour Glucose Meters
Manufacturing Locations: Global
Tariff Impact: EU and Asian production may lead to higher costs for U.S. buyers.
Formed after acquiring Bayer’s diabetes care division, Ascensia provides widely-used glucose meters and strips. With manufacturing rooted in several countries, including those potentially impacted by tariffs, cost and access concerns may be on the horizon
Headquarters: California, USA
Key Products: t:slim X2 Insulin Pump
Manufacturing Locations: Primarily U.S.
Tariff Impact: Minimal impact due to domestic production.
Tandem is known for sleek design and integration with CGM systems. Because their manufacturing remains largely U.S.-based, they’re in a better position to avoid the effects of international tariffs and could become a more stable option for patients looking to avoid rising costs. Tandem, however, is one of the more expensive insulin pump options available.
Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
Key Products: Accu-Chek Devices
Manufacturing Locations: Europe, U.S., and Asia
Tariff Impact: Devices manufactured in Europe may face tariffs, affecting prices in the U.S.
Roche has been a long-standing name in diabetes care, especially with blood glucose meters and insulin delivery systems. Their international presence means they’re vulnerable to global trade policies, and U.S. consumers could see changes in price or availability.
Headquarters: Massachusetts, USA
Key Products: Omnipod Insulin Delivery Systems
Manufacturing Locations: USA and abroad
Tariff Impact: Tariffs could increase costs depending on where device components are sourced and assembled.
Insulet’s Omnipod system has revolutionized tubeless insulin delivery. While its headquarters and part of its manufacturing are U.S.-based, any internationally sourced components may still fall under the scope of new tariffs, complicating pricing and supply chain stability.
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
Key Products: MiniMed Insulin Pumps, Guardian CGMs
Manufacturing Locations: Global, including Europe and Asia
Tariff Impact: As an EU-based company, Medtronic is likely to see cost increases for U.S. imports.
Medtronic is a powerhouse in medical technology and a major player in insulin pump therapy. Because it's headquartered in the EU and manufactures many products abroad, these new tariffs could substantially impact the availability and cost of Medtronic products for U.S. customers.
Dexcom, Inc.
Headquarters: California, USA
Key Products: Dexcom G6, G7 CGMs
Manufacturing Locations: USA, Malaysia, Ireland
Tariff Impact: Devices made in Malaysia and Ireland could see price hikes due to tariffs, unless manufacturing shifts domestically.
Dexcom is known for innovation in CGM technology, especially for people managing diabetes with insulin. With a global footprint in manufacturing, including key facilities in Ireland and Malaysia, the company may face pressure to increase prices or shift production to avoid higher costs.
Headquarters: Illinois, USA
Key Products: FreeStyle Libre CGM
Manufacturing Locations: Kilkenny, Ireland
Tariff Impact: Products imported from Ireland into the U.S. may be subject to a 20% tariff, potentially increasing the retail cost of FreeStyle Libre systems.
Context: Abbott is one of the global leaders in medical devices, and their FreeStyle Libre CGM has become a widely-used, affordable option for continuous glucose monitoring. With manufacturing centered in Ireland for these devices, the company—and consumers—could see significant effects from tariffs targeting EU imports.
How Trump’s Tariffs Could Affect People Living with Diabetes
For many people with diabetes, access to tech like CGMs and insulin pumps are not a luxury—it’s a necessity that improves quality of life and overall health outcomes. If companies pass the cost of these tariffs on to consumers, the result could be:
- Higher out-of-pocket costs, ballooning the cost of diabetes care for patients.
- Delays in insurance approval or formulary coverage. Insurance rates could also be affected to keep up with cost.
- Increased disparities in access to life-saving devices. Marginalized communities1 are already affected by a lack of access to diabetes technology and tools.
- More pressure on patient assistance programs. Patient assistance programs have helped to bridge a gap, mostly for the commercially insured.
While some companies may absorb the costs or shift production to tariff-free regions, others may not have that flexibility.
Talk to Your Insurance Provider
While we don’t have the luxury of stocking extra supplies with insurance limits, give your insurance company a call. Ask:
- Are any covered devices being removed or replaced due to price changes?
- Are there alternative CGMs or pumps now preferred by your plan?
- What’s the appeals process if you want to stick with your current tech?
Pro Tip: Some insurers are slow to update formularies. Be proactive and get everything in writing.
Tap Into Manufacturer Discounts & Assistance Programs
Some diabetes tech companies offer financial help. If you’re seeing higher prices at the pharmacy counter it’s worth it to look into patient savings programs. Most of these programs are only applicable to commercial insured patients (no Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare or uninsured benefits, unfortunately).
In some cases, you may qualify for free or discounted supplies, especially if your income falls below a certain threshold or if you’re uninsured.
- Compare prices across pharmacies and mail-order services.
- Use tools like GoodRx or SingleCare for meter test strips and backup supplies.
- Consider manufacturer-direct programs which sometimes offer subscription savings.
Heads up: Watch for refurbished devices online. Only buy from verified sources.
Find Support in the Diabetes Community
You’re not alone! Communities like the Diabetes Online Community (#DOC), Reddit’s r/diabetes, Glucose Guide and Facebook groups often:
- Share deals, coupons, and advice
- Host device swap events or giveaways
- Offer emotional support in uncertain times
Go Low Tech
While diabetes technology has worked to change our lives for the better, sometimes downgrading to more basic tools for management can be a little more cost-effective.
Bonus: Ask your doctor about trials or newer options with introductory pricing.
Advocate for Affordable Access for EVERYONE With Any Type of Diabetes
If rising costs are frustrating you, make your voice heard:
- Join diabetes advocacy groups like Beta Cell Action, T1International, or Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC)
- Share your story on social media to raise awareness
- Encourage your family and friends to advocate alongside you
Tariffs may be out of our control,, but community, planning and bracing for impact truly make a difference. By staying informed, tapping into available resources, and connecting with others, you can stay one step ahead. Because no one should have to choose between their health and affordability.
References
- Kanbour, Saraha; Everett, Estelleb,c,d. Addressing disparities in technology use among patients with type 1 diabetes: a review. Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity 31(1):p 14-21, February 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000840 ↩︎
