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.