Diabetes New Zealand welcomes Pharmac’s commitment to CGMforAll
Diabetes New Zealand today welcomes the commitment of Pharmac to provide funding for continuous glucose monitoring and flash glucose monitoring technology for people living with diabetes.
Pharmac have today asked for feedback on a funding proposal which will change the lives of 18,000 New Zealanders with type 1 diabetes.
Diabetes New Zealand Chief Executive Heather Verry said Pharmac’s commitment is a momentous decision and the culmination of many years of advocacy by Diabetes New Zealand.
“Continuous glucose monitors are life-saving and life-changing for people living with diabetes,” Verry said.
“Living with diabetes is a 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year challenge and this technology helps make that a lot easier.
“It reduces the daily burden of frequent finger prick checks and means people have to spend less of their time just managing diabetes. This can translate to improved mental and emotional health and a better quality-of-life.
“It also significantly improves health outcomes and lowers a person’s risk of both short-term complications like hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) and long-term complications including blindness, heart and kidney disease and limb amputation.
“This is a smart decision that will save the health system billions in the long run.
“We’ve been working towards CGM for all for many years. This announcement will benefit the Type 1 community, but our commitment to all people with diabetes who are insulin dependent to access this technology remains.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the tireless and powerful advocacy from the diabetes community including people with diabetes and their families who have worked to advocate for this vital technology.”
Continuous glucose monitors are small wearable devices that monitor glucose levels automatically, providing readings every few minutes. People with diabetes can see their glucose levels using apps on their smart phones.
These devices reduce the need for finger prick checks and give more information to people with diabetes and their healthcare team about glucose trends and how much time they are spending within their target glucose range.
You can see more about Diabetes New Zealand’s advocacy for CGM here.
ENDS
Released on behalf of Diabetes NZ by Goode PR.
For more information or to arrange an interview with Heather Verry, Chief Executive of Diabetes NZ, please contact Vikki Lee Goode 021 964 888 vikkilee@goodepr.co.nz.