Toronto, Ontario – February 27, 2020 – JDRF Canada, the leading global funder of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, is hopeful that the Government of Quebec might still consider provincial coverage for Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in spite of a report released this month by the Institut national d’excellence en santé et services sociaux (INESS).
“We are encouraged by the recognition that continuous glucose monitoring meets an unmet medical need. Put simply, these devices aren’t just life-saving, they’re life-changing for Quebecers living with T1D,” says Dave Prowten, President and CEO of JDRF Canada.
This comment comes in response to INESS’ recent review of the Dexcom G6 monitor. While the new device was unanimously endorsed by the evaluation committee (CSEMI), for its superior efficacy in managing type 1 diabetes in individuals over the age of two, the committee concluded that the “cost to benefits ratio was too high” to support having it covered under the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Given that T1D is a life-threatening disease, JDRF Canada sees tremendous value in providing medical coverage for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), devices which can detect and predict when blood sugars are rising or falling too rapidly. Audible alarms and mobile alerts warn users of impending life-threatening low or high blood sugar events before they occur, helping users take action. This helps keep patients out of the hospital and avoid costly complications over the long-term.
Studies have shown that more than 70% of T1D patients have insufficient glycemic control, with children being at significant risk of severe and non-severe reactions, including coma and loss of life.
In reviewing the device, INESS also agreed with the clinical and expert opinion data indicating that the Dexcom G6 CGM would lead to a "clinically significant decrease" in adverse outcomes for people managing type 1 diabetes.
JDRF Canada is pleased that the INESS recognizes the importance of this device for individuals with T1D and encourages the Quebec Government to work with the manufacturer to come to an agreement that would see these devices reimbursed for Quebecers with type 1 diabetes.
JDRF also encourages the province to consider whether it might cover these devices for those individuals who are at particularly high risk for a severe hypoglycemic event.
JDRF Canada believes that while the initial cost of CGM might appear high, the long-term cost savings as well as the improvements to quality of life for patients, would be impactful, because greater accessibility to CGMs means fewer hospital visits and fewer costly complications such as kidney and cardiovascular diseases, vision loss, nerve damage and amputation.
“My daughter’s Dexcom proves it worth day and night. It is the only safeguard that prevents the life-threatening events of type 1 diabetes from harming her,” says Quebec resident, Michaëlla Étienne. She is also President of the Association of Parents of Children with Diabetes. “Every child has the right to a healthy and safe childhood, regardless of family income.”
JDRF Canada’s Access For All campaign aims to increase public and private coverage for advanced glucose monitoring devices. JDRF is urging all provincial governments to provide public reimbursement for these devices for all individuals with type 1 diabetes.
For more information on the INESS report, visit, https://www.inesss.qc.ca/nc/en/publications/publications/publication/systeme-de-mesure-du-glucose-en-continu-dexcom-g6mc-dexcom.html?no_cache=1
About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, governments, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout Canada and six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit breakthrought1d.ca.
Media contact
Kim Lacombe
Regional Director, Eastern Canada
JDRF Canada
514 744 5537, ext. 225
klacombe@jdrf.ca
