More 'whys' for WHY Aotearoa New Zealand needs funding for life-changing CGM and FGM
At 73, I’ve been managing Type 1 diabetes now for over 25 years with A1C’s of less than 50 mmol/mol. Yet I find that I can still improve my diabetes control and outcomes with my CBG monitor which gives instant blood glucose indications but more importantly trends. I just hope the Government/Pharmac recognises the preventative benefits of providing subsidised BCG’s to all Type 1’s, even those with relatively good control.
Bob
I have hyper hypo diabetes which means alot more control. LIke flying a plane but I don't like the control it puts on me or my personality and as costs rise; it is time to update our way of actual control so I, we can all have a cheaper, more relaxed way of life and contribute.
BJ
I have been a type 1 now for 52 years and would hate to count the times I have been either high or low and the thousands of pricks that have gone into my fingers.
Your life is controlled by this horrible problem.
Having it electronically controlled would be a miracle to me and with the huge amounts of money the government is spending at present surely we must be in line for help. Let’s face it it would be cost saving taking into account the amount of hospitalisations that must happen due this disease.
Gerry
I am 72 and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 6 years ago. The finger pricking started.
This month I have been attending the DAFNE course at NSH. As part of the course we got to trial the FreeStyle Libre CGM. I was a bit reluctant to start with but oh what a change to my life.
So much better and regular tracking of my glucose levels. Better able to avoid the Hypos I was experiencing. No need to carry glucose monitoring kits everywhere I go. No more intrusive finger tricks while I'm out. I like to be active and it is so simple to keep track of my BS, while walking, with a simple swipe of my phone. And the calluses on the end of my fingers are healing.
BUT I am retired and the current costs for this life enhancing technology is prohibitive.
I fully support the petition to seek funding of the CGM from Pharmac.
Gaylene
Letter to PHARMAC
I have a 34 year old son who has been type 1 diabetic since he was 11.
He has had 3 seizures in the past 5 weeks .... he lives alone, very remotely in rural Waipu and is non contactable when the weather isn't just right! Which means he can't get a message out to us either.
We live in Whangarei.
We are worried about him, and rightly so.... why is Pharmac procrastinating about funding meters for type 1 diabetics?
Such equipment is given for free in the UK and other OECD countries!!
PLEASE get a positive decision on these asap .... the extra money the government has given is way MORE than enough to supply all of NZs type 1 diabetics.
Tam
I've been a diabetic for over 50 years, living in the UK, US, Guam, Sydney and NZ (as a citizen). Over the 50 years, I've 'treated' myself by staying fit, eating the right things and staying on top of my BCG levels. I think that it's horrific to see that there is no form of subsidising diabetics, other than an expensive trip into public health's that at some point will be costing the country of NZ thousands of dollars for tertiary treatment. Shame on NZ. Ours is a disease inherited, not one that we have made for ourselves.