Toronto, ON – The provincial government of Prince Edward Island made a historic announcement today about providing better access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for people living with diabetes in the province. Complete public coverage for CGM devices will now be provided for people with type 2 and type 1 diabetes (T1D) age two and over who rely on multiple daily injections of insulin (three or more) or use an insulin pump, through Prince Edward Island’s Diabetes Glucose Sensor Program. This announcement complements the existing Diabetes Drug Program and the Insulin Pump Program that helps in covering costs of insulin and insulin pumps in the province.
“JDRF Canada joins Prince Edward Island’s T1D community in celebrating today’s exciting news,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO, JDRF Canada. “Advanced glucose monitoring devices are truly life-changing and live-saving technology for people with diabetes. They allow better control of daily self-management, and for those who rely on remote or virtual care, these devices are critical in providing patient data to clinicians, allowing for better virtual care. Coverage for these devices in Prince Edward Island reduces the one of many out-of-pocket costs associated with T1D, he continues.
Measuring and managing blood glucose is an essential aspect of daily management for people living with T1D. Advanced monitoring systems such as CGM and Flash GM demonstrably improve a person’s quality of life. These devices help by continuously measuring glucose levels and transmitting real-time data to users, their parents, or caregivers. Users are notified in advance if they are at risk of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), which carries symptoms such as shakiness, dizziness, sweating, increased heartbeat, mood changes, fainting risk and more.
Being able to check blood glucose levels in real-time improves self-management, reduces the risk of long-term complications, and can provide relief for some of the anxiety associated with living with T1D. It also allows people with T1D to exert better control over the activities of daily living.
JDRF is incredibly pleased with Prince Edward Island’s decision to offer complete and comprehensive coverage, being the first province to offer public coverage for advanced glucose monitoring devices in Atlantic Canada. This is encouraging news for many living in the region who are hopeful to see government support in their own province to help alleviate significant financial burdens brought on by T1D. While there has been progress made in recent years to provide equitable access across the country, many Canadians living with T1D are still without coverage and are at risk. That is why JDRF Canada launched its Access for All campaign to support the T1D community and advocate for the thousands of Canadians who must pay out-of-pocket for life-sustaining technology due to lack of coverage. Until a cure can be found, JDRF Canada will continue to engage with legislatures from coast to coast and advocate until such time as there is universal access for all Canadians who need it.
For more information, visit: P E.I. Glucose Sensor Program or contact diabetesadminofficer@ihis.org or call 1-833-355-0538.
