The New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes is delighted with the Pharmac announcement on Thursday that continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps will be fully funded for people with type 1 diabetes from July this year.
"This is arguably the biggest day for people with diabetes ever in Aotearoa since the arrival of insulin," says Endocrinologist and President of the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes Dr Rosemary Hall.
"There will be great excitement amongst the diabetes community. The technology is life-changing for people with T1D [type 1 diabetes] and their whānau, reducing diabetes distress and medical complications."
When CGMs and insulin pumps are used in combination they function as an artificial pancreas.
Glucose levels are easier to manage and the lives of people with T1D and their family are transformed.
The high cost of this technology means it has been out of reach for many, increasing the gap between those who can afford it and those who cannot.
“New Zealand conducted research shows that when all people have access to these devices outcomes become equal," says Dr Hall.
"After years of campaigning, and seeing increasing inequity for people with T1D, we now have the devices to provide the bast standard of care for all those with T1D in Aotearoa New Zealand."
With anticipated demand for CGM and insulin pumps to be high, diabetes services will be working hard to build our workforce to maximise the potential of this technology
The proposed funding options will be open for public consultation for one month. The NZSSD encourages all people with an interest in these technologies to participate in this consultation.
About the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD):
The NZSSD is an incorporated society that is open to those involved in the care of people with diabetes. Its members include diabetes specialist physicians, nurse practitioners, diabetes specialist nurses, podiatrists, dietitians, scientists, ophthalmologists, general practitioners, community health workers and researchers.
The NZSSD is the national advisory body and leading diabetes clinical network on clinical and scientific matters. The NZSSD's objectives are to promote the study of diabetes and the best, equitable, standards of care for diabetes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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