New study released into the impact on whānau of self-funding CGM

 

Released last week, Dr Susan Wardell and Laura Starling’s (University of Otago) report into the impact of forcing families to self-fund continuous and flash glucose monitors.

Aotearoa New Zealand does not currently provide public funding for Continuous Glucose Monitors – a device with established benefits for the management of Type 1 diabetes. Several brands of FGM (Flash Glucose Monitor) and CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) are currently available, but only for private purchase and ongoing self-funding.

In 2019, CEO of Diabetes NZ Heather Verry stated:

“There exists an equity problem here because only 30% of people are actually able to afford these devices.”

The report explores the variety of ways families are fundraising in order to access a CGM, which include:

  • the Disability Allowance

  • personal/family savings and budgeting

  • help from family members

  • business sponsorship

  • crowdfunding

  • fundraisers

  • small businesses and online selling

  • interpersonal gifting

  • engagements with media.

These private, piecemeal fundraising methods are time-consuming, laboursome, and socially stressful, especially for families who already have an additional burden of care.

The report concludes that this funding situation is ill-suited to the high and regular ongoing cost of the device and the chronic lifelong condition of Type 1 Diabetes, and are likely to continue to deepen existing social and healthcare inequalities.

The report recommends the Pharmaceutical Management Agency (Pharmac) funds Continuous Glucose Monitors for all children and adults with Type 1 Diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand.

 
 
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