Game-changer for people with Type 1 diabetes now a reality
Media Release
Game-changer for people with Type 1 diabetes now a reality
Diabetes New Zealand has welcomed the news that Pharmac will fund continuous glucose monitors (CGM), insulin pumps and insulin consumables for people living with Type 1 diabetes from 1 October.
“Free access to these devices will not only be life changing for thousands of New Zealanders living with Type I diabetes, it will also be lifesaving,” says Heather Verry, CEO of Diabetes New Zealand.
“We know that for our Type 1 community, this is more than just vital technology - it’s a lifeline for better health and greater freedom. Quite simply, it’s a game-changer.”
Verry says Type 1 diabetes affects different people in different ways. “It’s great to see that Pharmac has recognised this in providing a choice of funded devices given there is no one CGM device or insulin pump technology that works for everyone. Despite these choices, some people will be disappointed that not all devices currently being used by the diabetes community will be funded.”
She acknowledges the power and support of the whole diabetes community in advocating for this funding over many years. “We share this exciting news with everyone that works for, and with the diabetes community – clinicians, educators and health care professionals. We are indebted to the strong advocacy that’s also come from our diabetes community who have shared their experiences and made a strong case for funding – we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Diabetes New Zealand will shift its focus to supporting people living with Type 1 to access the technology, providing resources and guidance as they transition to funded devices, make decisions on what tech is best or start using this tech for the first time.
“We applaud Pharmac for its commitment to support people with Type 1 diabetes with this major funding announcement. However, our work advocating for people with diabetes won’t stop here. Our goal is to ensure all New Zealanders living with diabetes that are on insulin, including those living with Type 2 diabetes, have access to this technology.
For now, it is wonderful to know the whole Type 1 diabetes community will benefit from this technology. In Australia it took years to have funded access for all Type 1s. We have lagged behind the rest of the world in having equitable access to this critical technology. Today we have caught up!”
Continuous glucose monitors are small wearable devices that monitor glucose levels automatically, providing readings every few minutes. People living 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 living with diabetes and their healthcare team about glucose trends and how much time they are spending within their target glucose range.
ENDS
Released on behalf of Diabetes New Zealand by Goode PR, Auckland. For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Vikki Lee Goode on 021 964 888 or vikkilee@goodepr.co.nz