Diabetes Canada is welcoming more than $2 million in funding announced as part of last week’s provincial budget.
The province said it will use the funding to remove the age cap on its insulin pump program and include coverage for continuous glucose monitoring, or CGM.
It will also update the family contribution calculator to determine how much an individual or family must pay toward the purchase of an insulin pump and/or supplies.
Maria Campbell, director of government relations at Diabetes Canada, said these changes will be huge for those living with diabetes.
“Managing your diabetes is a 24/7 job, there’s no breaks and no vacations. These devices are life-changing for those that will need them to manage this chronic condition,” Campbell said in an interview.
Insulin pumps are an alternative to multiple daily injections for people with diabetes. The small computerized device delivers a continuous amount of insulin through a thin tube that goes under a person’s skin.
Currently, the province’s insulin pump program only supports New Brunswickers living with diabetes up to 25 years of age who are “medically eligible”.
Continuous glucose monitoring tracks blood glucose levels, or blood sugar, throughout the day and night, Diabetes Canada said this gives gives people with diabetes a more complete picture of their blood sugar control.
While these can be life-saving devices for people living with diabetes, the costs often leave them out of reach for many.
“Insulin pumps carry a $6,000 to $7,000 price tag, and CGMs carry an annual price tag of $3,500 to $6,000,” said Campbell.
On average, annual out-of-pocket costs can be up to $10,000 for people with Type 2 diabetes and $18,000 for people with Type 1 diabetes.
Campbell said the additional financial support from the province will help offset those costs so people living with diabetes do not have to choose between paying their food and rent or managing the chronic condition.
Better diabetes management will also lead to fewer complications and reduce hospitalizations, she said, which will reduce overall health-care costs.
Campbell said they would also like to see the province develop a provincial framework around the chronic condition.
“Ensuring that there’s adequate resources, measurable process, comprehensive data, inclusive education and research,” she said.
The last comprehensive diabetes strategy available on the government’s website dates back to June 2011.
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