Advocates for individuals with type 1 diabetes are celebrating the expanded Pharmac funding that will impact nearly 18,000 people living with the condition.
The government’s pharmaceutical purchasing agency will start funding continuous blood glucose monitors (CGMs) and a selection of wearable insulin pumps in October.
During the initial year of funding, 12,000 individuals will receive the monitors, which provide constant blood glucose readings without the need for blood draws by communicating with a reader or cellphone.
An additional 5200 people will also be eligible to receive insulin pumps within the same timeframe.
Currently, 4800 people are funded to use these pumps, which offer a continuous flow of insulin as opposed to multiple daily injections.
Dr. Jo McClintock, chairperson of the National Clinical Network for Children and Young People with Diabetes, expressed that this news would bring tears of joy to those with type 1 diabetes and their families.
Heather Verry, the head of Diabetes New Zealand, stated that these changes would provide a lifeline to better health and increased freedom for those dealing with this serious illness.
Pharmac’s Adrienne Martin thanked the diabetes community for their patience throughout the funding process, emphasizing the positive impact these devices will have on individuals managing type 1 diabetes.
While not all devices will be funded, Pharmac’s decision to exclude certain options, such as the Medtronic brand of insulin pumps, has caused discontent among some users.
Despite this, the funding of five types of CGMs, three of which can link to insulin pumps for automatic adjustments based on blood glucose levels, has been welcomed by many, including long-time diabetes sufferer Karen Reed.
Overall, the decision to broaden funding for these critical devices has been hailed as a significant step forward in diabetes management in New Zealand.
