Insurance Lapses Worsen Diabetes Management, Study Finds

Low-income adults who lose insurance coverage struggle to control their diabetes, researchers report.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A new study found that people with type 2 diabetes who experience insurance "churn" - losing coverage off and on - have poorer blood sugar control and need more diabetes medications than those whose insurance coverage remains steady. The results have concerning implications for millions of Americans facing potential Medicaid cuts and rising insurance premiums.

Why it matters

This study highlights the critical role that consistent health insurance coverage plays in managing complex chronic conditions like diabetes. Without reliable access to care and medications, patients can quickly see their health deteriorate, leading to more serious and costly complications down the line.

The details

Researchers tracked health records for over 39,000 low-income adults treated at community health centers across 20 states. They found increases in insulin use and other high-intensity diabetes treatments among patients who lost insurance coverage. While serious complications like amputations or kidney failure were less common in the relatively short follow-up period, the researchers warned this was an "early warning sign" and that the disease becomes much harder to manage after insurance loss.

  • The study was published on March 20, 2026.

The players

Nathalie Huguet

An associate professor of family medicine at Oregon Health & Science University and the lead researcher on the study.

Jennifer DeVoe

A professor of family medicine at Oregon Health & Science University and a co-author on the study.

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What they’re saying

“Even though they all started at the same baseline, the patients who lost insurance had worse outcomes. They needed more medications and that raises a big question: How can people manage complex diabetes treatment without coverage?”

— Nathalie Huguet, Associate Professor of Family Medicine

“We need to increase support to primary care clinics so they can continue to serve their patients and keep the damage of losing insurance to a minimum.”

— Jennifer DeVoe, Professor of Family Medicine

What’s next

Researchers suggest that if Medicaid coverage continues to shrink, community health clinics will struggle to care for these vulnerable patients, underscoring the need for increased support to primary care providers.

The takeaway

This study demonstrates the profound impact that insurance instability can have on the health of people with chronic conditions like diabetes. Ensuring continuous, affordable coverage is crucial for enabling patients to effectively manage their disease and avoid serious, costly complications.