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I am Diabetic, living in California but thinking of relocating to C.R. My question concerns the access to and availability of specialized Diabetes care in C.R. Is it easy enough to get all the different supplies such as test strips..the different types of insulins…selections of syringes etc. And what about doctors? Are there endocrinologists specialized in Diabetes care and Retina specialists etc. I’m planning to live near or in San Jose. Any feedback is appreciated. Thank You
Im a Type 2 diabetic living in Grecia which is a long hour away from CIMA Hospital where I go for my diabetes-related care. I have an excellent internist, trained in the U.S., and a U.S. board certified endocrinologist. My opthamologist, too, seems to be very capable. And there is a dermatologist who is a wound care specialist. What is missing is a podiatrist. That’s a medical specialty which is not represented in Costa Rica.
You should be able to get most, but maybe not all, medications here. Januvia, for example, has only recently become available and only in the 100mg size. Metformin, Avandia and Actos, at least, are readily available. Too, the statins, blood pressure meds, etc are available.
Some of these, especially the more expensive ones, are not available through the national health system, the CAJA. There may be less expensive alternatives that CAJA provides and which will manage your diabetes as effectively. My pharmacist says that most folks get their insulin and supplies from the CAJA so he’s not too familiar with just what is available.
I use a glucometer which permits off-fingertip testing. It and its test strips are not available here. You’re sure to be able to find one glucometer or another, but this is the sort of thing that may not always be available. So you’ll want to stock up.
Not all meds here are inexpensive. Glucometer test strips, Avandia and Actos, Vytorin, etc are pricey. That’s why I get my meds under my U.S. Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan by mail.
If you send me an e-mail message, via Scott, listing the meds and supplies you use, I can ask my pharmacist about availability and price.
Hope this helps.
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